This paper presents a discussion on potential conflicts originated by sensorimotor distractions when learning with mobile phones on-the-move. While research in mobile learning points to the possibility of everywhere, all the time learning; research in the area suggests that tasks performed while on-the-move predominantly require low cognitive…

This teaching tip focuses on using hand-clapping to teach content area material across the curriculum. We begin with a brief history of hand-clap songs, followed by a rationale for using them in content area literacy. Then, we describe the instructional lesson, share samples that resulted, and discuss lesson extensions. Our goal is to have…

These experiments explored the role of prior experience in 12- to 18-month-old infants' tool-directed actions. In Experiment 1, infants' use of a familiar tool (spoon) to accomplish a novel task (turning on lights inside a box) was examined. Infants tended to grasp the spoon by its handle even when doing so made solving the task impossible (the…

The results of this study indicate that both single-goal and multi-goal variable practice conditions, given adequate amounts of practice, will lead to the development of a motor schema capable of accurately producing a novel response. (MM)

Factors contributing to successful performance of ball skills are examined. (MM)

Learning is possible in the absence of knowledge of performance when knowledge of results is present, but a higher level of performance is achieved when both types of information are present. (MM)

Examined in 4 experiments 2-year-olds' knowledge of solidity in search tasks. Found no evidence that 2-year-olds represented solidity and support constraints on trajectories of falling objects; two experiments included 2.5-year-olds who succeeded on search tasks. Explored implications of 2-year-olds' poor performance in light of very young…

Evaluation of students' dance performance provides feedback for developing skills and self-awareness. (JD)

Two recent conferences on the science of sport have focused on the topic of sports for older people. Investigations have been made on the special demand in motor learning, in table-tennis, family-tennis, gymnastics, and dancing. This paper summarizes some experiences and conclusions drawn from these studies, including special notes on isolated…

An experiment to determine the effects of perceptual organization on learning and remembering a motor task is described. Four test groups received different methods of presentation of movements to be learned--sequential-sequential, sequential-random, random-sequential, and random-random. Analysis of variance was used to examine results. Results…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of progressive and gradually increasing speed practice on motor skill acquisition using the pursuit rotor. (JD)

Examined infants' ability to retrieve an object from atop a slightly larger object. Found that even 5-month-olds could retrieve objects close in size and fully contiguous with their bases when demands on reaching skill were reduced. Proposed that when they fail this task, it is because they lack the skill to reach the top object without…

This study examined the effects of age, sex, and ethnic group in selected motor tasks of primary grade children. The Kirk Motor Performance Test was developed to assess running, throwing/catching, and jumping abilities and was used to assess the motor performance of children ages 5 to 9. Results of the testing are presented in tabular form. (JD)

Direct observation of a child's motor performance by a parent was hypothesized to exert an effect on motor behavior. The presence of a parent observer during practice was hypothesized to exert a depressing effect on learning and a facilitating effect on performance when parent observer was introduced later in practice. Male and female children age…