Motor Learning - Topic 3: Part to Whole Practice

Part to whole Practice Pt. 1 and Pt. 2

T/F: It is best to start the learner off with an easy task and gradually progress to a more complex one?

True

Task progression

having learning experience a sequence of tasks that move from easy-to-heard or simple-to-complex

Transfer of learning

when practicing/learning one skill enhances the subsequent learning of another skill

Challenge point (Guadagnoli & Lee, 2004)

the benefit of practice is maximized when the difficulty of the task matches the learner’s ability to level

One of the best predictors of motor skill improvement is …

the number of successful (high quality) practice trials learners get

What is the Part-to-Whole approach in Motor Learning?

A technique in which the learner divides a motor task into part, practice the parts of the task, and put the parts together to perform the whole action.

How do Pole Vaulters engage in part practice?

Pole vaulters may practice individual components such as the run-up, planting the pole, and the vault separately before combining them into a complete vault.

Segmentation

Dividing a skill temporarily or sequentially (i.e. 1st part, 2nd part, 3rd part, etc.)

Clean and Jerk Segmentation

1) Dead lift

2) Hand clean

3) Push press

Forward Chaining

A practice method where skills are learned in sequence, starting from the first component and adding subsequent parts one at a time until the whole skill is integrated (start at beginning)

Backward chaining

A practice method where skills are learned in sequence, starting from the last component and adding previous parts one at a time until the whole skill is integrated (start at end)

Fractionation

Dividing a skill into parts that are normally performed at the same time aka body part practice

How does practicing the piano relate to fractionation?

Both hands are not doing the same thing as one hand plays the melody while the other hand plays the bass or rhythm. So, it is best to practice them separately (as body parts) then work to combine both movements.

How does practicing the breaststroke relate to fractionation?

In practicing the breaststroke, the arms and legs perform distinct actions; the arms execute a sweeping motion while the legs perform a frog kick. Therefore, training each component separately aids in mastering the overall stroke.

What does research tell us about part to whole practice?

It is beneficial for beginners and serial tasks, and improves the learners’ ability to perform the task with good technique.

What are some drawbacks of part-to-whole practice?

It can sometimes be hard to divide a task into parts to practice and can be difficult to “reassemble” parts into coordinated action(s).

Why is part-to-whole practice best for beginners?

It is best for beginners to practice one thing at a time and this approach gives them fewer things to focus on at a time.

Why is part-to-whole practice best for serial tasks?

It allows learners to master individual components before integrating them into a complete sequence, which enhances overall performance and understanding.

What sport did Dr.Hebert teach during the video lesson? How did he execute the it?

Volleyball using part practice in which he taught to spike, practiced approach and footwork, box hitting drill, and then the whole task of approach, jump, and spike.

What skill did Dr.Hebert’s dad teach during the video lesson? How did he execute it?

The accordion using fractionation in which he learned a song by playing the melody with his right hand and then by listening to the melody and playing the rhythm with his left.