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Brain Matters
Jeff DaneAuthor and
Kagan Trainer
Does Practice Make Perfect?
Jeff Dane
Many have said for years that "Practice Makes Perfect," while others came back and said that "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect." We are going to challenge that and say instead "Perfect Practice, Practiced Smartly Makes Perfect." While this is a play on words, recent research has shown the need for practicing smartly.
Researchers at USC and UCLA recently published a study where they found that variable practice is more beneficial than constant practice focused on a single task, (University of Southern California, 2010, July 13. Why (smart) practice makes perfect. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/07/100712141855.htm).
Variable practice simply means switching between tasks is more beneficial than spending extended periods of time focused on a single task. This variable practice structure actually causes the brain to process the task more deeply, and places the learning in a different part of the brain than straight rote or motor practice. By switching between tasks, the brain has to reconstruct the activity each time. Senior author of the study, Carolee Winstein, stated, "While it may be harder during practice to switch between tasks… you end up remembering the tasks better later than you do if you engage in this drill-like practice."
- Distributed Practice: Use distributed practice with a different focus in between sessions. Work for 10 minutes, change task, then return to the original task.
- Create Variety with Structures: Use different Kagan Structures during practice. This will encourage students to approach the content from different angles as well as allow the brain to shift between tasks.
- Break It Up: Be purposeful in using Classbuilders, Teambuilders, and Brain Breaks regularly in the classroom, especially in the midst of difficult concepts.
- Emphasize Smart Practice: Communicate to students that while it may not always be easy to stop and start tasks, the rewards will be greater in the end.
Never forget that each day you have the ability to mold dreams, build bridges, and change lives. You are truly designer originals!
For The Children,
Jeff Dane
