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Motor Learning unit (ESP233)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
070199 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $2,562.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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.

AssessmentPortfolio 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%)
TimetableView 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.

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