Project: Cup Tapping Sequence

Applying Motor Learning Principles Through Practice

Welcome to the Cup Tapping Project!

In this multi-part assignment, you will learn a complex manual skill: the Cup Tapping Sequence. Beyond just learning the moves, you will apply Motor Learning Principles (MLPs) and analyze your own progress using the Fitts & Posner Stages of Learning.

NoteProject Goal

Practice the cup tapping sequence until you can perform it smoothly, fast, and accurately (under 7 seconds), while documenting your learning journey through three specific discussion phases.

Assignment Roadmap

Thinking about how this assignment flows? Here is the bird’s-eye view:

graph TD
    A[Start: Learn Sequence] --> B[Discussion 1<br/>Classification & 1st MLP]
    B --> C[Discussion 2<br/>Refinement & 2nd MLP]
    C --> D[Discussion 3<br/>Mastery & Stages]
    D --> E[Final Goal:<br/>Video Mastery]
Figure 1: Assignment roadmap showing progression through three discussions

The Skill: Cup Tapping

The activity consists of a series of hand claps and cup taps performed in a specific rhythmic order.

Video Demonstration

Watch the sequence carefully before you start practicing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step Visual Action Description
1 Step 1 Ready: Hands flat on lap.
2 Step 2 Clap: Clap hands twice.
3 Step 3 Tap: Right-Left-Right (or L-R-L) on the cup.
4 Step 4 Clap: Clap hands once.
5 Step 5 Move: Pick up cup with right hand, move it to the right.
6 Step 6 Clap: Clap hands once.
7 Step 7 Tap Cup: Pick up cup with left hand; tap top with right palm.
8 Step 8 Touch Down: Tap table with cup bottom; then lift.
9 Step 9 Switch: Pass cup to right hand; left hand flat on table; cup down.
10 Step 10 Finish: Clap twice – ready to repeat!

Discussion #1: Skill Classification & MLP Application

In this first phase, you will get familiar with the movement and identify what kind of skill this is.

ImportantDeadlines
  • Initial Post: Due end of Week 3
  • Peer Responses: Due end of Week 4

The Workflow

graph LR
    A[Practice 10 mins] --> B[Read MLP Blog]
    B --> C[Practice with 1 MLP]
    C --> D[Write Initial Post]
    D --> E[Respond to 3 Peers]
Figure 2: Discussion 1 workflow from practice to peer responses

Requirements

1. Practice & Preparation

  • Step A: Practice the sequence for 10 minutes to “get it in your hands.”
  • Step B: Read the Motor Learning Principles blog post.
  • Step C: Pick ONE principle and practice for another session applying it.

2. Initial Post (70 points / 250 words min)

Use these headings in your post:

  1. Skill Classification: Classify by musculature (fine/gross), specificity (discrete/serial/continuous), and environment (open/closed). Justify each!
  2. MLP Applied: Which principle did you pick? How did you use it? What happened?
  3. Challenges & Strategies: What was hard? How will you fix it next time?

3. Peer Responses (30 points)

  • Respond to three classmates.
  • Suggest specific solutions for their “Challenges.”
  • Min 150 words per response.
Category Excellent (pts) Satisfactory (pts) Needs Improvement (pts)
Skill Classification (18-20) Accurate & justified. (13-17) Basic justification. (0-12) Inaccurate or missing criteria.
MLP Application (18-20) Insightful examples. (13-17) General examples. (0-12) Vague or incorrect.
Challenges/Strategies (12-15) Specific & practical. (8-11) General. (0-7) Vague or impractical.
Format (12-15) 250+ words, clear headings. (8-11) Near 250 words, some headings. (0-7) Under word count, poor structure.

Discussion #2: Continued Practice

Now, we add variety. You’ll compare how different strategies affect your learning.

ImportantDeadlines
  • Initial Post: Due end of Week 8
  • Peer Responses: Due end of Week 9

The Workflow

graph LR
    A[Practice 15+ mins] --> B[Apply DIFFERENT MLP]
    B --> C[Compare with D1]
    C --> D[Write Initial Post]
    D --> E[Respond to 3 Peers]
Figure 3: Discussion 2 workflow applying a different MLP

Requirements

1. Practice Session

  • Practice for at least 15 minutes.
  • Apply a different Motor Learning Principle than the one you used in Discussion #1.

2. Initial Post (70 points / 200 words min)

Use these headings: 1. New MLP Applied: Paraphrase the principle and explain your implementation. 2. Analysis: How does this new MLP compare to the first one? Which felt more effective? 3. Progress Tracking: What has improved since Discussion #1? What is still “clunky”?

3. Peer Responses (30 points)

  • Respond to three classmates.
  • Compare your experiences with different MLPs.
  • Min 100 words per response.
Category Excellent (pts) Satisfactory (pts) Needs Improvement (pts)
MLP Comparison (25-28) Deep analysis of both. (18-24) Basic comparison. (0-17) Vague or minimal comparison.
Progress Analysis (21-24) Detailed & specific. (15-20) General changes. (0-14) Vague or minimal.
Strategy Evolution (16-18) Clear problem-solving. (11-15) Some development. (0-10) Little evidence of change.

Discussion #3: Mastery & Analysis

The grand finale! You will demonstrate your skill and reflect on your entire journey.

ImportantDeadlines
  • Video & Initial Post: Due end of Week 12
  • Peer Responses: Due end of Week 13

The Workflow

graph TD
    A[Final Practice for Speed] --> B[Record Video Mastery]
    B --> C[Analyze using Fitts & Posner]
    C --> D[Write Initial Post]
    D --> E[Respond to 3 Peers' Analyses]
Figure 4: Discussion 3 workflow from final practice to video analysis

Part 1: Video Submission (20 points)

Record your best performance.

  • Goal: Under 7 seconds (Mastery level).
  • Rules: Single, continuous shot (no edits!). Clear lighting and full view of hands/cup.
  • How to Submit: Upload your video to YouTube (you may set it as “Unlisted”) and submit the link to the dedicated Canvas assignment link.

Part 2: Initial Post (50 points / 250 words min)

Use these headings:

  1. Fitts & Posner Analysis: Which stages (Cognitive, Associative, Autonomous) did you go through? At what point? Use specific evidence from your practice logs.
  2. Learning Reflection: Compare your “Day 1” self to now. What was the “Aha!” moment?
  3. Future Application: How will you use these MLPs to learn other movements in the future (sport, rehab, daily life)?

Part 3: Peer Responses (30 points)

  • Respond to three classmates based on their written analysis.
  • Discuss their reflections, compare your learning stages, and provide thoughtful feedback.
  • Min 150 words per response.
Criteria Excellent (5) Satisfactory (3-4) Needs Imp. (0-2)
Time ≤ 7 seconds 7.1–10 seconds > 10 seconds
Control Smooth & stable Minor wobbles Frequent drops
Technique Fluid motion Minor errors Poor placement
Accuracy Perfect 1-2 small mistakes Major errors
Category Excellent (pts) Satisfactory (pts) Needs Improvement (pts)
Stages Analysis (18-20) Compelling evidence. (13-17) Basic alignment. (0-12) Inaccurate stages.
Progression Reflection (15-17) Comprehensive comparison. (11-14) General comparison. (0-10) Vague or minimal.
Integration (11-13) Expert MLP integration. (8-10) Basic connections. (0-7) Minimal integration.

References