Motor Learning and Control

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2026/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Unit Title:

Motor Learning and Control

Unit ID:

EXSCI1703

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

069903

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces the theoretical underpinnings of the nature and cause of simple human movements. It enables students to understand the factors underlying the acquisition, performance and control of skilled human movement. This understanding is achieved primarily through an appreciation of the demands of different motor skills and their subsequent impact on performance and learning in a teaching, coaching and rehabilitation environment.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Describe the stages involved in the normative development of fundamental motor skills and gait.

K2.	Review the common theoretical models proposed to explain motor control and the processes of motor learning and skill acquisition.

K3.	Identify the major stages that occur when movement skills are learnt.

K4.	Appraise the perceptual and decision making changes that occur with skill learning by contrasting experts and novices.

K5.	Critically evaluate factors which influence motor learning and skill acquisition.

K6.	Identify the performance and motor control characteristics of functional skills.

K7.	Discuss the process of motor learning throughout different phases of the life cycle.

Skills:

S1.	Examine appropriate learning environments relevant to skill/task analysis.

S2.	Implement appropriate movement outcome measures to assess performance on movement skills in a laboratory setting.

S3.	Discuss and relate control of movement and motor learning to physical activity.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Identify the strengths and limitations of techniques to assess aspects of motor control and the processes of motor learning and skill acquisition.

A2.	Design appropriate learning environments relevant to skill/task analysis demands.

A3.	Acknowledge how different kinds of learners, tasks, and situations influence the design of learning experiences.

Unit Content:

Fundamental motor skills;

Motor Control and Learning Theories;

Performance and motor control characteristics of functional skills;

Action preparation;

Defining and assessing learning;

Stages of learning;

Practice conditions;

Instruction and feedback;

Information processing and decision making.

Graduate Attributes:

Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptor		Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
FED TASK and descriptor		Level
FEDTASK 1 Interpersonal	Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.	Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
FEDTASK 2 Leadership	Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 3 Critical Thinking and Creativity	Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving.	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 4 Digital Literacy	Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities.	Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
FEDTASK 5 Sustainable and Ethical Mindset	Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.	S1-S3, A1	Attendance and participation in laboratory sessions to develop competency in the conduct of specific practical skills.	90% attendance required to satisfy ongoing formative assessment of practical skills	Satisfactory/
2.	S1, S3, A3, K4, K5	Group oral presentation relating to practice and feedback techniques used within sport or recreational activities.	Group oral presentation	10-20%
3.	K5-K6, S1-S3, A1-A3	Application and interpretation of knowledge in the area of motor learning and control.	Case study report	30-40%
4.	K1-K7, S1, A1	Review of lecture, laboratory, and readings content.	Examination (practical and theory components to be assessed)	40-50%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency