This article reviews models of the cerebellum and motor learning, from
the landmark papers by Marr and Albus through those of the present ti
me. The unique architecture of the cerebellar cortex is ideally suited
for pattern recognition, but how is pattern recognition incorporated
into motor control and learning systems? The present analysis begins w
ith a discussion of exactly what the cerebellar cortex needs to regula
te through its anatomically defined projections to premotor networks.
Next, we examine various models showing how the microcircuitry in the
cerebellar cortex could be used to achieve its regulatory functions. H
aving thus defined what it is that Purkinje cells in the cerebellar co
rtex must learn, we then evaluate theories of motor learning. We exami
ne current models of synaptic plasticity, credit assignment, and the g
eneration of training information, indicating how they could function
cooperatively to guide the processes of motor learning.