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…

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…

The task classification scheme suggests that motor skills be categorized as the processing demands placed on a learner, feedback availability, and pacing conditions. Potential learning strategies were identified and defined in relation to the classification scheme. (JN)

A study tested the feasibility of a task-analytical instructional approach to developing vocational skills for severely and profoundly retarded individuals. During the study, each of 43 severely and profoundly retarded individuals received twelve 15-minute individual training sessions on each of four selected vocational tasks (the Stromberg…