Motor Learning unit (ESP233)

Introduction

A cornerstone to the profession of human movement is an understanding of how people move. The ability to understand and explain how people learn motor skills is at the core of successful physical activity program design. An understanding of the main themes of skill acquisition provides the human movement professional with the tools to teach and correct movement. Knowing how people learn a motor skill allows the human movement professional to solve movement problems. The knowledge gained in this unit provides foundational understanding needed in units in pedagogy and exercise prescription.

Summary

Unit name	Motor Learning
Unit code	ESP233
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Education
Discipline	Education
Coordinator	Doctor Scott Pedersen
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Identify key variables of motor learning and explain their role in motor skill acquisition within professional practice
• Differentiate between performance improvements and motor learning by evaluating and applying appropriate methods for testing, measuring, and interpreting these concepts in both research and applied settings
• Critically evaluate key theories and hypotheses proposed by leading researchers to explain motor learning, considering their implications for professional practice
• Apply digital skills to construct a portfolio that demonstrates evidence-based professional growth and supports lifelong learning within a specified area of interest

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

ESP160 or EDU104

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Students will have ten contact hours per week made up of a one hour online lecture, 2 hours discussion board posting and seven hours self directed learning with online content and readings.
Assessment	Portfolio Part A – Establishing a Baseline for Motor Skill Assessment (30%)|Portfolio Part B – Motor Skill Performance Instructional Planning (30%)|Portfolio Part C – Measuring Motor Learning Within a Professional Context (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Links to relevant journal articles will be provided through MyLO.

Recommended

Schmidt, R. A., & Lee, T. D. (2026). Motor learning and performance: From principles to practice (7th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Coker, C. A. (2026). Motor learning and control for practitioners (6th ed.). London, UK: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Magill, R. A., & Anderson, D. (2024). Motor learning and control: Concepts and applications (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Schmidt, R. A., Lee, T. D., Winstein, C., Wulf, G., & Zelaznik, H. N. (2018). Motor control and learning: A behavioral emphasis (6th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.