Teaching for Retention: Interpreting Motor Learning Research in the Practical Teaching Situation.

This paper presents several concepts that underlie the acquisition and performance of motor skills and relates them to the practical problems faced by the physical education teacher or coach. Information is included from motor learning research, discussions with international colleagues, and the author's research and work with teachers and coaches. Significant research on retention as it relates to motor skill learning is reviewed toward developing practical teaching strategies. Strategies for teaching for retention are described toward developing lifetime retention of motor skills. An information processing theory is described in simple terms, and specific principles related to better teaching of motor skills are developed for use in practical teaching situations. (Author/JCW)