The Psychomotor Domain

The Psychomotor Domain

" The psychomotor domain includes physical and motor (or muscular) skills. This means much more than the gaining of skills in games and physical education. Every act has a psychomotor component. For instance, writing and talking are psychomotor skills which must be acquired if the child is to function successfully in our society. In the learning situation there is again a progression from mere physical experience - seeing, touching, moving etc. - through the carrying out of complex skills under guidance, to the performance of skilled activities independently. The six levels from simplest to most complex are: Reflex Movements: Reflex movements are defined as involuntary motor responses to stimuli. They form the basis for all behaviour involving movement of any kind. Basic Fundamental Movements: Basic fundamental movements are defined as those inherent body movement patterns, which build upon the foundation laid by reflex movements. They usually occur during the first year of life, and unfold rather than are taught or consciously acquired. These movements involve movement patterns which change a child from a stationary to an ambulatory learner. Perceptual Abilities: Perceptual abilities are really inseparable from motor movements. They help learners to interpret stimuli so that they can adjust to their environment. Superior motor activities depend upon the development of perception. They involve kinaesthetic discrimination, visual discrimination, auditory discrimination and co-ordinated abilities of eye and hand, eye and foot. Physical abilities: Physical abilities are essential to efficient motor activity. They are concerned with the vigor of the person, and allow the individual to meet the demands placed upon him or her in and by the environment. Skilled Movements: Skilled movements are defined as any efficiently performed complex movement. They require learning and should be based upon some adaptation of the inherent patterns of movement described in level number two above. Non-Discursive Communication: Non-discursive communication can be defined as comprising those behaviours which are involved in movement communication. They can range from facial expressions to highly sophisticated dance choreographics as in classical ballet. "