Course Syllabus

KIN 377 - Motor Learning
Department of Kinesiology
Cal State Northridge
Spring 2024 - OH Hybrid TuTh 12:30-1:45 p.m. (On campus meetings) Jacaranda Hall 3510

1 Instructor Info

Dr. Furtado earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Motor Behavior from the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Furtado’s line of research focuses on two main areas: (1) validation of observational models in psychomotor assessment instruments and (2) the relationship between motor skill competence, perceived motor competence, physical activity levels, and body composition.

Office Hours
See Section 3.5 for more information

Contact Info
Email: ovandef@csun.edu (see Section 3.4)
Office: Redwood Hall 289
Important

Please note for our course communications: Use the course mailing list for general questions about course content, assignments, or schedules. For private matters requiring confidentiality, email me directly at my CSUN email address (ovandef@csun.edu). Avoid using the Canvas Inbox, as I do not monitor it and your message may be missed. These guidelines will ensure effective and timely communication throughout our course. Ensure to save the email below to your contacts.

classsp24.18905-c@csun.edu

2 General Information

2.1 Course Description

Study of principles , theories, and research evidence regarding the nature of motor performance and learning with particular emphasis on factors that impact learning a skill through practice.

  • teaching
  • examples of principles
  • educational and clinical settings
  • include both catalog and my own description
  • do the same with the other items from the excel file

2.2 Course Prerequisite

KIN 200: Foundations of Kinesiology (3)

2.3 Course Format

This a hybrid course offering in which about half of the sessions are offered online and the other half are offered in person. I will use some web-based tools to supplement or enhance this course.

Note

Students taking this section must study the course materials, which comprise video lectures, slides, and assigned readings, prior to attending class. Then, we will use class time to cover the content and answer questions (Tuesday meetings offered online via Zoom) and guided group work, critical thinking, and reinforcement (Thursday meetings in person). This strategy for blended learning is often referred to as the flipped classroom.

2.3.1 Notes for the Online Meetings

  • REGISTRATION: All attendees must register before attending the meeting. Follow the link below to register.

  • ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken in the first 5 minutes of the online meetings; plan accordingly. 

  • QUIZ: There will be a brief quiz before the online meeting begins to monitor your participation in the course. The quiz will be timed and taken on Zoom, so please make sure you have a dependable device and a stable internet connection.

  • PARTICIPATION: During our Zoom lectures, I will be randomly selecting students to answer questions. At the start of each lecture, every student will receive 3 points. If you are chosen to answer a question and you do it satisfactorily, you will keep your 3 points. However, if your answer is only partially satisfactory, barely satisfactory, or unsatisfactory, you will receive 2, 1, or 0 points respectively.

2.4 Course Expectations and Goals

At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the difference between motor learning and performance.
  2. Describe and understand different theories of control to explain how motor skills are performed and learned.
  3. Describe and understand the underlying mechanisms and processes involved in the production and control of movement.
  4. Discuss the relationship between attention and performance.
  5. Understand and demonstrate how factors relevant to the individual and to the environment influence the learning process.
  6. Understand and demonstrate how feedback types and schedules influence motor skill learning.
  7. Understand, describe, and demonstrate how practice schedules influence motor skill learning.
  8. Describe how and why the concept of individual differences is important in skill acquisition.
    1. Describe and understand motor learning and control issues for special populations.
  9. Develop and implement methods of performance assessments.
  10. Develop and implement a series of practice sessions designed to teach and/or learn a novel motor skill.

2.5 Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’S)

  1. Apply an integrated kinesiological approach to encourage the adoption of healthy and physically active lifestyles, across diverse populations;
  2. Apply evidence-based practices to enhance the study of human movement;
  3. Demonstrate competent problem-solving strategies through intentional practices; and
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of kinesthetic forms, processes, and structures as they apply to the personal expression and culture of human movement.

2.6 Textbook

Magill, R. A., & Anderson, D. (2020). Motor learning and control: concepts and applications (12th Ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Link to Matador Bookstore: https://bit.ly/37yiD7u

Note

The program below is only available during the Fall and Spring semesters.

2.6.1 myCSUNDigitalAccess Program

  1. You are enrolled in a course in the myCSUNDigitalAccess (MCDA) program.
  2. The MCDA program provides digital materials to students at a deeply discounted price.
  3. Some or all of your materials for this course are being provided digitally through the MCDA program.
  4. ALL enrolled students will have access to the materials through Canvas by the 1st day of class, but more likely earlier.
  5. To keep access throughout the semester, you must do nothing. A charge will be placed on your CSUN student portal account (just like tuition, but a separate charge) around the 5th or 6th week of classes. You will then be responsible for paying the university.
  6. If you choose to obtain your materials elsewhere, you must opt out until 2/16/24 (see instructions below). Those who opt out by 2/16/24 will lose access and will not be charged.
  7. Anyone who does not opt out by the 2/16/24 deadline will be charged, and those charges will not be reversible.
  8. Click here for more information.

2.6.2 Price

To see how much you will be billed if you opt-in, click the link below:

https://bit.ly/3PDiGCx

2.6.3 Opt-out Instructions

If you wish to opt out of this program and not purchase access to the required digital materials, you will need to follow the steps below by 2/16/24:

  1. Go to https://accessportal.follett.com/0150
  2. Click on Create an Account on the lower right
  3. Create an account using your CSUN email account
  4. Select the course(s) you wish to Opt-Out from
Note

You will receive an email confirming your Opt-out selection, access will be removed, and you will need to purchase the materials elsewhere. For more information about this program, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3pcWcfb

2.7 Additional resources

2.7.1 Access to Computer & Internet

Although not required, it is suggested that you have access to a computer (not simply a tablet and/or smartphone) and Internet throughout this course. Note that CSUN students are eligible to check out tech devices from CSUN at NO COST.

2.7.2 Mini Juggling Balls

One of the requirements of this course is to learn a motor skill. If you select juggling, I suggest you to acquire the mini juggling balls, which are small and have the recommended weight for beginners.

Important

If you choose to use any object other than the mini juggling balls, understand that your performance may be negatively affected by it. When performing the exchange technique (required for this activity), at a given point, performers need to hold two objects in one hand. This becomes a problem if large objects are being used; i.e., tennis balls.

2.7.3 Speed Stacks Sport Stacking Set

If you choose to learn the cup stacking, I recommend you to acquire the cups used in national and international tournaments, or grab a set of less expensive ones from Amazon or elsewhere.

You could also consider checking out one of the sets of professional cups available on Reserve (4th Floor) at the CSUN Library.

Warning

Use cups specifically designed for cup stacking to get the best results and avoid negative impact on your performance and grades. Regular plastic cups are not suitable.

3 Course Policy

I will detail the policy for this course below. Basically, don’t cheat and try to learn stuff.

3.1 Grading Policy

Note

Two (2) Video Quizzes and one (1) Online Quiz with the lowest score will be dropped at the end of the term.

3.2 Grading Scale

A 93-100%
A- 90-92.99%		 B+ 87-89.99%
B 83-86.99%
B- 80-82.99%		 C+ 77-79.99%
C 73-76.99%
C- 70-72.99%		 D+ 67-69.99%
D 63-66.99%
D- 60-62.99%		 F <60%
Important

Requests for an Incomplete (I) must conform to university policies. Among other requirements, “I” is possible only for instances in which you are demonstrating passing work in the class.

3.3 Attendance Policy

Attendance is crucial! Not only that but active participation while in class. I will be taking attendance at the beginning of each class. To ensure you will receive full participation points (see Section 3.1), ensure to arrive on time. Students arriving late, will have to communicate it to the instructor at the end of the class. Late arrival will incur in a 10% point deduction (90/100). Please be aware that this course allows for two excused absences. It is important to manage your attendance wisely.

3.4 E-mail Policy

CSUN uses email as the official communication method. Students must check their official CSUN email account regularly to stay up-to-date. Only emails sent to the official CSUN email account will be received.

Important

Use the course mailing list for general questions about course content, assignments, or schedules. For private matters requiring confidentiality, email me directly at my CSUN email address (ovandef@csun.edu). Avoid using the Canvas Inbox, as I do not monitor it and your message may be missed. These guidelines will ensure effective and timely communication throughout our course. Ensure to save the email below to your contacts.

classsp24.18905-c@csun.edu

3.5 Office Hours

3.5.0.1 Online by appointment

Provide your availability by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/drfurtado-appointment

3.5.0.2 Walk-in (Redwood Hall 289)

Thursday from 8 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

3.6 Make-Up Exam Policy

Unless the student has discussed the situation with the instructor before the assignment’s due date and an arrangement has been made, a missed assignment will result in a grade of zero. Note that making “arrangements” will only be possible given the student provides a valid and written excuse from a reputable source.

3.7 Late Assignments

In case you haven’t made any prior arrangements, submitting a late assignment will result in a 5% deduction per day for the first four days it is overdue. After the fourth day, all assignments will be considered closed.

3.8 Extra Credit

The instructor will not be providing additional points for this particular course.

3.9 Disabilities Policy

Federal law mandates the provision of services at the university-level to qualified students with disabilities.

This instructor, in conjunction with California State University Northridge, is committed to upholding and maintaining all aspects of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you are a student with a disability and wish to request accommodations, please contact the office of Students with Disabilities Resources located in 110 Student Services Building, or call (818) 677-2684 for an appointment. Any information regarding your disability will remain confidential. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible. Any requests for accommodations will be reviewed in a timely manner to determine their appropriateness to this setting.

3.10 Academic Dishonesty Policy

Please, stop and read the information below; this is important!

Each student is expected to be familiar with, and abide by, the conditions of student conduct, as presented in the CSUN Catalog, with emphasis on sections entitled, Student Conduct Code, Academic Dishonesty, Faculty Policy on Academic Dishonesty, and Penalties. Any student engaging in academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism) is subject to discipline, which may include a failing grade in the course, and may also be subject to more severe discipline by the University. Students are encouraged to visit the link below and become familiar with the Standards for Student Conduct.

http://www.csun.edu/a&r/soc/studentconduct.html

3.10.1 Reflection Paper Submission

Plagiarism is a serious violation of the CSUN Student Conduct Code. Be aware that borrowing a paper from a student who completed this course previously and writing your paper based on that student’s paper will be considered PLAGIARISM.

Important

Turnitin (see below) will detect such misconducts as it checks every submission against a database of papers, as well as against the Internet.

Caution

Penalties: If caught, the student will receive a letter grade of “F” on BOTH the Reflection Paper and the Video Performance assignments, in which case the student will likely fail the course as these two assignments account for 40% of the course total grade.

What is Turnitin?

You should be aware that the Reflection Paper will be submitted via Canvas, which is connected to Turnitin. This is an automated system that instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student’s assignment with billions of websites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. Accordingly, you will be expected to submit assignments through the Canvas Assignment Tool in electronic format. After the assignment is processed, as an instructor, I receive a report from Turnitin that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment.

4 Course Requirements

To succeed in this course, you will be required to complete several assignments. To avoid surprises, be proactive and review these assignments.

Note

I know how important it is for you to know your current grade in the class. That is why my priority is to grade most assignments (except for the paper) within 1 week of the deadline, which will be visible on the Canvas Gradebook.

If your grades are not posted within a week after the deadline, or you believe the grade is inaccurate, feel free to email me about the status of your grade.

4.1 Quizzes

Quizzes will be administered via Canvas and will assess the student’s understanding of the topic covered each week. Students are allowed to utilize class notes and the course text to answer the questions; however, collaboration with other students is not allowed.

Here are some other useful information about quizzes:

  1. Quizzes are posted on Monday and remain open until Sunday at 11:59 pm. Once started, students have 20 minutes to complete and submit the each quiz.

  2. When taking quizzes, the questions will appear one at a time and locked after being answered. Thus, students are not allowed to go back and review answers after saving each question.

  3. Correct answers will only be shown to students after the deadline of each quiz.

  4. Refer to Canvas and the course sequence for due dates. Please, avoid waiting until the “last minute” to take the quiz. Taking the quizzes earlier will give you enough time to troubleshoot potential technical problems; therefore, plan accordingly.

  5. You will be given a single attempt on each quiz. This means you need to study the material before taking each quiz. All quizzes are timed. Students will be given 20 minutes to finish and submit a quiz.

  6. A quiz will only start if the student has a JavaScript-enabled web-browser. Contact CSUN IT should you run into technical issues when taking quizzes.

  7. Once opened, a quiz will appear in a full-screen pop-up window that covers all the other windows and has no navigation control

  8. It should be noted that the content of each quiz belongs to McGraw Hill (the publisher of our text). Therefore, federal copyright laws prohibit the dissemination of this material. It includes, but is not limited to, posting the quiz online and/or sharing the quiz with someone outside of the classroom.

4.2 Exams

You be will be required to complete three exams while taking this course. Exams are taken in class and you will must bring a Scantron #882-E. Exams will be open on Monday morning along with a general study guide and be closed on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Exams will be comprised of 30 multiple-choice type of questions.

4.2.1 Learning Task Assignment

This assignment carries significant weight and contributes 40% towards your final grade in the course. It is crucial that you go through Appendix A (available at Section 7) as soon as possible to acquaint yourself with the requirements of this task.

4.2.2 Learning Task Performance

Refer to Section 7 for full requirements, but basically:

  • You will be asked to choose either the 3-object Juggling or Cup Speed Stacking activity;
  • Then, you will be required to practice and learn the selected activity;
  • Before the end of the term (see Section 6), you will be asked to video-record yourself performing the skill you have learned. This is the Performance portion of this assignment and accounts for 15% of the final grade.

4.2.3 Learning Task Reflection

  • The second part of this assignment is a Reflection Paper, which also accounts for 20% of the final grade. As you practice and learn the selected skill, you will be advised to use the Motor Learning Principles (full details on Canvas) you will be exposed to while taking this course.
  • Throughout the term, you will be required to update me on your progress toward learning the selected skill (juggling or cup stacking). See Learning Task Updates below.

4.2.4 Learning Task Updates

You will be submitting several updates throughout the term. These “updates” are meant to keep you on track and ensure you are taking advantages of all the learning techniques covered in this course to master the selected skill. More information about this assignment will be provided on Canvas.

4.3 Video Quizzes

For each chapter, you will have access to one or more videos that are relevant to the assigned topic. These videos have embedded quizzes that cover the content of the video. Even though Canvas allows you to take the video quizzes multiple times, ONLY THE FIRST ATTEMPT COUNTS.

4.4 In-class Activities

During the semester, you will have to complete in-class activities that are graded as either complete or incomplete. Unless you have made prior arrangements with your instructor no later than 24 hours before the class meeting, you will not be able to make up these activities.

4.5 In-class Participation

In addition to taking roll on random days, your participation during our lectures will also be graded. You are expected to come to class prepared to answer random questions asked by your instructor. This will be done by calling on students at random to answer the proposed questions.

Note that roll will be taken at 12:30 p.m. If you are unable to make it on time, please see me at the end of class. No adjustments will be made after class.

Note

During our Zoom lectures, I will be randomly selecting students to answer questions. At the start of each lecture, every student will receive 3 points. If you are chosen to answer a question and you do it satisfactorily, you will keep your 3 points. However, if your answer is only partially satisfactory, barely satisfactory, or unsatisfactory, you will receive 2, 1, or 0 points respectively.

5 Final (yet important) Notes

5.1 How to Access our Course and Get Started

  • Log into Canvas: https://canvas.csun.edu
  • Under “My Courses,” locate our course and click on it.
  • This will take you to the course home page.

5.2 Technology Requirements and Support:

  • A computer and access to the internet (reliable connection)
  • Google Chrome (web browser)
  • A device to record video (phone, tablet, or laptop)

5.3 What I Expect of You:

  1. Plan your schedule to ensure you have approximately 10 hours per week to spend on this class and take time to identify where and when you’ll do your learning.
  2. Review the due dates for the assignments (see Section 6) to orient yourself to the flow of the learning.
  3. This course requires regular engagement throughout each week. Plan to reserve a few hours each day to practice the skill you selected for the Learning Task assignment (see Section 4.2.1).
  4. Cell phones are not permitted in this class. Please make sure to silence your phone and store it out of sight.
  5. If you prefer taking notes electronically, you are allowed to use either a laptop or a tablet during class as long as it is used for class work ONLY. Please note that I will randomly select students using laptops/tablets for class notes to submit their notes via email immediately after class. Failure to submit the notes within 10 minutes after the class will be considered as an absence.

6 Course Sequence

Required textbook:[1]

Week Date1 Study Content2 Assignments
WK01 Jan 22-28 Intro to Course & Survival Skills Read and study the Syllabus + Appendices
WK02 Jan 29-Feb 4 Ch01: The classification of motor skills Quiz
WK03 Feb 5-11 Ch11: Defining and assessing learning Quiz
WK04 Feb 12-18 Ch12: The stages of learning Quiz
WK05 Feb 19-25 Ch14: Demonstration and verbal instructions Quiz
WK06 Feb 26-Mar 3 Exam 1 LT-Update 1
WK07 Mar 4-10 Ch15: Augmented feedback Quiz
WK08 Mar 11-17 Ch16: Practice variability Quiz
WK09 Mar 18-24 Spring Break –
WK10 Mar 25-31 Ch17: The amount & distribution of practice Quiz
WK11 Apr 1-7 Ch18: Whole and part-practice
PDF | DOCX		 Quiz
WK12 Apr 8-14 Exam 2 LT-Update 2
WK13 Apr 15-21 Ch09: Attention
PDF | DOCX		 Quiz
WK14 Apr 22-28 Ch10: Memory Components, Forgetting, and Strategies Quiz
WK15 Apr 29-May 5 Ch13: Transfer of learning Quiz
WK16 May 6-12 Exam 3 LT-Update 3
Final’s Week May 11-17 Finish and submit the reflection paper
Record and submit the performance video
(Refer to Appendices A, B, C)		 Finish and submit assignments
Note

Section 18905 meets online (via Zoom) on Tuesdays AND on campus (Jacaranda 3510) on Thursdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m.

7 Appendices

It is important that you do not overlook the content of the appendices. Please make sure to read them thoroughly.

HTML version | PDF version

8 References {unnumbered}

1. Magill, R. A., & Anderson, D. (2020). Motor learning and control: Concepts and applications. McGraw-Hill Education. https://bit.ly/37yiD7u

Footnotes

  1. Section 18905 meets online (via Zoom) on Tuesdays AND on campus (Jacaranda 3510) on Thursdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m.↩︎

  2. Exams are not cumulative.↩︎