Esther Thelen and Her Colleagues Have Proposed a Dynamic Systems

Essay

Esther Thelen and her colleagues have proposed a dynamic systems theory to describe the myriad interactive processes that are involved in motor development. In this theory, coordinated movements such as reaching, crawling, walking, and throwing are dynamic actions that emerge from the complex interplay of individual muscles, nerve pathways, physical growth learning, and motivation. They have outlined four factors that all work in concert to propel the child toward increased strength and coordination. Name at least two of those factors and describe how that factor impacts the motor milestones.