This dissertation describes a program of research encompassing three studies that focused on examining the effects of enhanced expectancies and perceptions of success on motor learning. OPTIMAL theory (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2016) proposes that practice manipulations that enhance a learner's expectations for future successful outcomes lead to…

Movement is essential for learning. Previous research explored the relationship between movement and academic performance, however, evidence regarding the specific gross motor skills related to reading and spelling is lacking. The current study, therefore, investigated the effect a perceptual-motor intervention had on the relationship between…

Some of the characteristics and behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as difficulty with social interactions and sensory integration, make physical education instruction difficult. Children with ASD also encounter movement difficulties, such as motor-planning and anticipatory deficits. One way to enhance the ability of…

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…

A comprehensive model for organizing different approaches used in presenting dance movements focuses on the essential content of movement for elementary school children and examines the development of dance for young children from functional movement to more artistic experiences. (JN)

In this study, learning was maximized by matching students with a certain learning style with complementary instructional strategies. (MM)

The article describes tasks that promote perceptual motor coordination in handicapped students. An introductory section provides suggestions for implementation and charts the activities in terms of emphasis on visual tracking, visual discrimination and/or copying of forms, spatial body perception, fine motor coordination, tactile discrimination,…

This book deals with the following areas: (a) basic motor development and readiness of the young child for movement activities, (b) learning and developmental theories commonly used in early childhood education, (c) instructional approaches for using movement as a learning modality, and (d) general educational implications which can be ascertained…

The study evaluated positional concepts and balance performance in 67 blind/visually impaired children, age 6-13, to determine the most important conditioning factors. The study also evaluated the effects of 2 pedagogical situations: 1 with more cognitive activity and less motor activity, and the other with more motor activity and less cognitive…

The purpose of this publication is to introduce the elementary classroom teacher or physical education specialist to a creative approach to movement education which can be implemented with limited facilities, equipment and funds. The first section, concerned with organization of programs, includes recommended percentages of time per year to be…

The document is designed to help teachers identify and remediate gross motor development deficits in elementary school students. A definition of gross motor development and a checklist of gross motor skills are provided. Sections cover the following topics: successful teaching techniques; activities for perceptual-motor training; activities for…

The author presents a gross-motor training program for mentally retarded children by giving instructions and examples for teaching movement exploration, creative expression, and structured activities. (Author/MC)

This book is written for physical educators and classroom teachers of elementary school children. It is divided into five parts. Part one presents background information for developing a child-centered program and explores the educational potential of movement experiences. Part two introduces a six-step model designed to provide a sound…