Applying Key Principles of Motor Skill Learning and Assessment to Your Physical Education Program

Although physical educators may differ on teaching philosophy, individual style or specific drills chosen for instruction, each practitioner should strive to utilize evidence-based practices that have been tested in research whenever possible to facilitate student learning. One area that is important for practitioners to consider is that of motor learning. Within this field, there are key strategies that emerge from research findings that may be applied to all educators ranging from elementary to secondary levels. Three important areas to consider include practice structure, feedback and assessment of learning. The following article outlines tips and strategies that physical educators may use to improve communication, increase skill retention and encourage positive experiences with assessment.