MOTOR

LEARNING
 OBJECTIVES
• Summarize selected aspects of this topic that are
relevant and applicable to a wide a variety of
teaching and learning situations involving nurses,
patients, colleagues, and students.
• Not intended to provide an exhaustive review of the
vast topic of motor learning.

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CONSULTANTS
MOTOR LEARNING
“a set of processes
associated with
practice or
experience leading
to relatively
permanent changes
in the capability for
movement”

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CONSULTANTS
MOTOR PERFORMANCE

Involves initial
acquisition of a skill
but not necessarily
longer term
retention of that
skill.

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CONSULTANTS
STAGES OF MOTOR LEARNING

• Three-stage sequential model of motor learning is

a classic model that provides a framework for
nurses to use as they organize learning strategies
for patients, students, and staff nurses

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CONSULTANTS
STAGES OF MOTOR LEARNING
The Cognitive Stage
Cognitive map (cognitive plan)
• Basically solving the problem of
“what is to be done”.
• Learners must consciously focus
and pay attention in this stage.
• The use of specific teaching
techniques and strategies is
probably the most beneficial.
Instructional strategies for the educator
during this stage include:
• Emphasizing the purpose of the skill in a
context that is functionally relevant to the
learner
• Pointing out similarities to other learned
motor skills
• Minimizing distractions
• Using clear and concise instructions
• Demonstrating ideal performance of the
skill
• Breaking down complex movements into
parts, where appropriate
• Encouraging the learner to verbalize the
instructions and watch the movement
• Providing some manual guidance but also
allowing for errors in performance
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CONSULTANTS
STAGES OF MOTOR LEARNING
The Associative Stage Helpful instructional strategies for the
educator during this stage include:
Associative stage of motor • Increase the complexity of the task
• Increase the level of distraction in the
• Learning entails more consistent environment
performance, slower gains, and • Encouraging learners to practice
fewer errors. independently
• Focuses on “how to do” the skill. • Emphasizing problem solving
• Decreasing guidance and feedback
• Better organization is evident, and • Avoiding manual guidance
the movement becomes
coordinated and more accurate.

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CONSULTANTS
STAGES OF MOTOR LEARNING
The Autonomous Stage

Automatic stage
• Learners no longer must “think
about” the skill
• Gradually improve and which
requires little attention and
conscious information processing
• Learner can perform different task
simultaneously in changeable
environments

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CONSULTANTS
THANK YOU