SKILL ACQUISITION & RESEARCH METHODS - 2020/1
Module code: BMS1053
Module Overview
This module will give an introduction into skill acquisition and research methods. You will cover the basic structure and functions of the nervous system, and key psychological theories and models relating to skill acquisition. You will develop an understanding of how this theoretical knowledge is used to guide applied practice in health and performance domains. This module will help you critique, analyse and present research findings.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
WILD James (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): 50
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 115
Lecture Hours: 20
Seminar Hours: 5
Practical/Performance Hours: 10
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
• Organisation of the central nervous system (spinal cord, brain).
• Motor control
• Theories of Learning and the coaching process
• The instruction process
• Observational learning and modelling
• Focus of attention
• Structuring the practice environment
• Contextual interference
• Feedback Frequency, timing and organization
• Physical guidance/assistance
• Complex versus simple tasks
• Expert novice differences
• Training for performance (dealing with pressure)
• Research methods (descriptive statistics, study design)
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | Multiple choice in-class test, 50 questions , 60 minutes | 40 |
| Coursework | Group video presentation, 10 minutes | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
None
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the taught topics and directed study/additional reading:
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Coursework:
• MCQ [50 questions] (40%) – Due Teaching Week 7
• Group video presentation [10 minutes] (60%) – Due Teaching Week 11
Formative assessment and feedback
• Prior to the assessments, lecture and/or seminar time will be spent discussing the assignment and feedback process. The marking scheme will be specified, expectations discussed and examples of excellent practice provided for students to make comparisons.
• Verbal feedback on article group discussions by the lecturer and peers
Module aims
- Provide grounding in neuronal signalling and an overview of CNS functions
- Introduce principles involved in skill acquisition; how people learn and retain new skills, and transfer skills
- Introduce principles involved in research methods including study design and presentation of results.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Demonstrate basic knowledge about the structure and function of the nervous system and neural pathways involved in controlling human movement | K |
| 002 | Describe key models of skill acquisition and explain how they can inform practice | KP |
| 003 | Illustrate the role that perception and attention play in the learning and performance of sporting skills | C |
| 004 | Describe considerations that should be taken into account when manipulating aspects of the environment and providing feedback and instructions to impact learning | PT |
| 005 | Apply skill acquisition techniques to the coaching process | PT |
| 006 | Demonstrate an understanding of study designs, descriptive statistics and researching literature and referencing | CT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to include lectures, seminars and practical work in groups in order to develop subject specific knowledge and practical skills and provide formative feedback, discussion and summative examinations. Students will also be provided directed study, typically involving a weekly set of tasks on SurreyLearn and/or additional reading
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Lectures (20 hours)
• Practicals (10 hours)
• Seminars/tutorials (5 hours)
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS1053
Other information
This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the International Engagement Office email: ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk
Recommended Reading • Davids, K., Button, C., & Bennett, S (2007) Dynamics of Skill Acquisition: A Constraints-led Approach. Leeds; Human Kinetics • Enoka, R (2002) Neuromechanics of Human Movement. Leeds; Human Kinetics • Ives, J (2014) Motor Behavior. London; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins • Latash, M (2008) Neurophysiological Basis of Movement. Leeds; Human Kinetics • McMorris, T (2004) Acquisition and Performance of Sports Skills. Chichester; John Wiley & Sons • Schmidt, R.A., & Lee, T (2014) Motor Learning and Performance. Leeds; Human Kinetics • Williams, A., & Hodges, N (2004) Skill Acquisition in Sport. London; Routledge • Armstrong, Lawrence, and William J. Kraemer. ACSM's Research Methods. Wolters Kluwer, 2016
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.