Optimizing motor skills through classical conditioning theory

Abstract

Over the years, experts have sought varied means of enhancing the learning of motor skills and optimizing motor performance. The role of learning theories in the learning of motor skills has been studied. Classical conditioning is a reflexive or automatic type of learning in which a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus. This study explains the role of classical conditioning on motor learning and performance. Classical conditioning should be applied in the teaching of the practical aspects of physical education to students especially in the early stages of their learning. This would help in motivating them and consequently optimizing their motor skill learning and performance. One must be able to practice and master a task effectively before embarking on another one. This means that a student needs to be able to respond to a particular stimulus (information) before he/she can be associated with a new one. Classical conditioning should be used by Coaches and Sports Psychologists in helping Athletes overcome their fear of failure or opponents. There is the need for more studies on the optimizing of motor outcomes via classical conditioning to be conducted.