Week 13 - Spatial, Motor Skill, and Implicit Learning

    Hello welcome back to my blog! During week 13 we covered a very interesting topic that is spatial, motor skill, and implicit learning, we had a discussion about nurture and nature in the development of certain skills and how by practicing a certain skill, we are very likely to succeed in that learning process.   

(Retrieved from: https://www.famly.co/blog/5-of-the-finest-activities-for-fine-motor-skills)

What is spatial learning? 

    Spatial learning is the process by which an organism learns about its environment and the spatial relationships between different objects or locations within that environment. This type of learning allows an organism to navigate, remember locations of important resources, and develop cognitive maps of its surroundings. Spatial learning involves the integration of sensory information, such as visual, olfactory, and auditory cues, to create a mental map of the environment. This mental map allows the organism to navigate through its surroundings effectively, remember important locations, and find resources such as food and shelter.

Spatial navigation and wayfinding: 

1. Mental mapping:

Mental mapping involves creating a cognitive representation of the environment. This mental map allows organisms to navigate through their surroundings by remembering the spatial relationships between different landmarks and locations.

2. Spatial encoding:

Spatial encoding is the process by which sensory information is translated into a mental representation of space. This involves encoding information about the layout of the environment, including the location of landmarks, obstacles, and potential pathways.

3. Navigational strategies:

Organisms use various navigational strategies to find their way through the environment:

- Route-based navigation involves following a predetermined path or route.

- Landmark-based navigation relies on using prominent landmarks as reference points.

- Cognitive mapping involves creating a mental map of the environment, allowing for more flexible navigation.

What is motor skill learning and why is it important? 

    Motor skill learning refers to the process by which an individual acquires and improves the ability to perform a specific motor task. Motor skills involve the coordination of muscles and limbs to achieve a particular goal or movement.

    Motor skill learning involves changes in the brain, including the formation of new neural connections and the refinement of existing ones. It also involves the consolidation of motor memories, which are stored in long-term memory and can be recalled when needed. Practice, feedback, and repetition are essential for motor skill learning, allowing individuals to improve their performance over time through a process known as motor learning.

Implicit learning: 

    Implicit learning refers to the acquisition of knowledge or skills without conscious awareness of what has been learned or how it was learned. In implicit learning, individuals acquire information and skills through exposure to patterns and regularities in the environment, without explicit instruction or awareness of the learning process.

Question for peers: 

What are some examples of activities or skills that you have learned implicitly, without conscious awareness of the learning process?

References: 

    Terry, W. S. (1999). Learning and Memory: principles, processes, and procedures (5th ed.).

    Cambridge Dictionary. (2024). https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/memory