This article provides a brief overview of the framework of nonlinear pedagogy and evidence emanating from motor learning literature that underpins a nonlinear pedagogical approach. In addition, challenges for nonlinear pedagogy and a discussion on how nonlinear pedagogy support the work of physical education (PE) teachers will be shared. Evidence…

The present experiments examined perceptual specificity effects using a rereading paradigm. Eye movements were monitored while participants read the same target word twice, in two different low-constraint sentence frames. The congruency of perceptual processing was manipulated by either presenting the target word in the same distortion typography…

Background: In order to design appropriate environments for performance and learning of movement skills, physical educators need a sound theoretical model of the learner and of processes of learning. In physical education, this type of modelling informs the organisation of learning environments and effective and efficient use of practice time. An…

Epidemiological research was used to develop the Speech Disorders Classification System (SDCS). The SDCS is an important speech diagnostic paradigm in the field of speech-language pathology. This paradigm could be expanded and refined to also address treatment while meeting the standards of evidence-based practice. The article assists that process…

Outlines the importance of motor and perceptual learning in the educational process; criticizes the de Hirsch, Jansky, Langford technique for identifying potential reading failures; and presents a diagnostic procedure for determining children with motor-perceptual handicaps. Bibliography. (MB)

The paper describes approaches used to assess preverbal or nonverbal orthopedically handicapped infants. The first section describes a conceptual approach to development that differs from the normative approach. The conceptual development model emphasizes developmental structures rather than successive cumulative acquisitions of behavior. This…

Five psychologists who have approached the study of learning from different points of view were asked to prepare statements which examined their areas of interest for empirically-based knowledge of relevance to learning as found in the classroom. They presented their viewpoints at a symposium sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa. This book presents the…

This study tested the extension of Schmidt's schema theory to the relationship between fine and gross motor skills. Fifty-two preschoolers were tested on 10 isomorphically related pairs of fine and gross motor tasks. When age was partialled out, results showed significant covariation among 6 of the 10 task pairs. (Author/SJL)

Motor learning is a very basic, essential form of learning that appears to share common mechanisms across different motor systems. We evaluate and compare a few conceptual models for learning in a relatively simple neural system, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of vertebrates. We also compare the different animal models that have been used to…

The author states that, although many recently developed theories in special education have not yet been confirmed by research, techniques derived from them are being used in teaching children with learning disabilities. (Author/BD)

Further commentary on distributed practice and the acquisition of motor skills points out that there are at least two viable theoretical perspectives that can be brought to bear on issues surrounding the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills. (JD)

Theory and practice in education are interrelated and interdependent. The credibility of any set of postulates depends upon how well the position holds up in practice. There are three ways we can utilize theory in practice: (1) to reexamine our traditional approaches; (2) to give some direction to our future practices; and (3) to generate…

The author's purpose in this paper is to explain and illustrate four principles for designing learning environments within which even young children can acquire complex symbolic skills with relative ease. After discussing the principles themselves and the theoretical system out of which they emerged, the author considers an illustrative…

Recent models of beginning reading processes are described, and the author offers the following summarization: (1) Models at present focus on cognitive aspects of reading; little attempt has been made to incorporate affective aspects into the models. (2) Several different theoretical positions within psychology representing a wide variety of…

Article concludes with emphasis on the necessity for physical education programs to be based on sound scientific evidence. (MB)