What Is Motor Learning?
Motor learning explains how individuals acquire, improve, and retain movement skills through practice and experience. In IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS), motor learning is used to understand why performance improves over time and why practice leads to lasting changes rather than temporary improvements.
Unlike short-term performance changes, motor learning results in relatively permanent changes in movement capability.
Defining Motor Learning in IB SEHS
Motor learning is defined as a set of internal processes associated with practice or experience that leads to relatively permanent changes in the ability to perform a skill.
Key points from this definition include:
- It occurs through practice and experience
- Changes are long-term, not temporary
- Improvements remain even after rest
In IB exams, students should clearly distinguish motor learning from short-term performance improvements caused by fatigue, motivation, or feedback.
Motor Learning vs Performance
A common IB exam focus is the difference between motor learning and performance.
Motor learning:
- Long-term improvement
- Retained over time
- Occurs gradually
Performance:
- Temporary improvement
- Influenced by fatigue or motivation
- May fluctuate from session to session
High-mark answers clearly explain that improved performance does not always indicate motor learning has occurred.
Role of Practice in Motor Learning
Practice is the primary driver of motor learning. Repeated practice allows the nervous system to refine movement patterns and improve coordination.
Effective practice leads to:
- Improved timing and accuracy
- Reduced movement errors
- Greater consistency
In IB SEHS, practice quality is often emphasised over practice quantity.
Feedback and Motor Learning
Feedback plays an important role in motor learning by helping performers recognise errors and adjust technique.
Types of feedback include:
- Intrinsic feedback from the performer’s senses
- Extrinsic feedback from coaches or observers
Feedback supports learning by reinforcing correct movement patterns and guiding improvement.
Stages of Motor Learning (Overview)
Motor learning occurs in stages, progressing from basic understanding to automatic execution.
Although stages are covered in detail later, early learning focuses on:
- Understanding the task
- Reducing large errors
- Developing basic coordination
This gradual progression is a core concept in IB SEHS.
Exam Relevance for IB SEHS
Motor learning questions often require explanation rather than memorisation. High-mark answers clearly define motor learning, distinguish it from performance, and apply concepts to skill acquisition scenarios.
Avoid describing motor learning as simply “getting better with practice” without reference to long-term change.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If motor learning concepts feel abstract or hard to structure in exam answers, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master psychology topics with clear explanations and exam-style practice. It is the most effective way to turn theory into exam marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is motor learning in IB SEHS?
Motor learning is the long-term improvement in skill ability resulting from practice and experience.
How is motor learning different from performance?
Motor learning is permanent, while performance changes are temporary and can fluctuate.
How is motor learning tested in IB SEHS exams?
Students are often asked to define motor learning and apply it to skill acquisition or practice scenarios.
