Maintaining Motor Skill Performance.

摘要

The results of the present experiments clarify certain training issues regarding the relative contributions of presentation and testing to motor task performance. In doing so, they answer the Army's question of which training methods most effectively promote the highest levels of skill acquisition and retention. First, the results indicate that the goal of training should dictate the training method used. If the goal is a consistent and high level of acquisition, then training should emphasize repeated presentation or alternation of presentation with testing, with the latter method being preferred because of enhanced short- and long-term retention. If effective long-term retention is the goal, then training should emphasize repeated testing. Second, testing should not only be viewed merely as a means of evaluation, but also as a means of improving motor skill performance. And third, the enhanced retention associated with repeated testing can be achieved by merely changing the emphasis of training from presentation to testing. This could be done without the usual negative aspects of additional expenditures in training time, money and personnel. (Author)