AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students should have acquired knowledge of:

• The mechanisms underlying motor learning and how they change across the lifespan;

• The role of physical activity in promoting motor and cognitive learning;

• The role of physical activity in enhancing brain plasticity;

• The role of sensorimotor/cognitive stimulation techniques in enhancing the effects of motor learning through movement execution;

• The role of physical activity in stimulating synaptic plasticity and improving learning and memory.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures, totaling 32 hours. Attendance is mandatory, as stated in the Academic Regulations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims to explore the benefits of physical activity and associated cognitive techniques in enhancing motor and cognitive learning, memory, and brain activity, with particular attention to different stages of life. Specifically, the following topics will be covered in depth:

• The role of physical activity practice in promoting motor and cognitive learning

• The role of physical activity practice in supporting brain plasticity mechanisms

• The role of sensorimotor and cognitive enhancement techniques—such as action observation, motor imagery, and psyching-up techniques—in facilitating and amplifying the effects of motor learning through physical activity.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides provided by the lecturer

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Autumn semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam with multiple-choice questions. The exam is integrated with that of the Physiology module and consists of 31 multiple-choice questions. For each correct answer, 1 point will be awarded.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment of knowledge of the mechanisms underlying learning and brain plasticity, and how they change across the different stages of life.

Assessment of knowledge of the effects that sensorimotor and cognitive enhancement techniques have in increasing the effectiveness of motor learning through physical practice.

FURTHER INFORMATION

It is recommended, at the beginning of the course, to subscribe to Aulaweb so as to receive information and be kept up-to-date on teaching details.

In case of certification of specific learning disorders (DSA), disabilities or other special educational needs, it is necessary to contact the Referring Lecturer of the DISABILITY and DSA Commission for DIMES, Prof. N. Girtler (nicolagirtler@unige.it) who, after assessing the individual case, will send the teachers the necessary indications both for the development of the lessons and for the way of conducting the examination.