One of my dazzling Santa Barbara calculus and chemistry tutors – a biochem major at UCSB - told me she always thought of herself as a future scientist. I have math tutors in San Luis Obispo who say the same thing. As girls they envisioned careers in labs. Research has found that when kids self-identify as violinists (or future scientists) or whatever, they perform astoundingly better than less-committed peers – even when both groups practice the same amount of time. That internal idea – “I am a future scientist” leads to deeper practicing and superior outcomes. Great teachers and tutors can inspire kids to imagine careers in their field of study. This may be the single most important factor in improving kids’ performance!
Archive for December, 2009
Identity and Effort in Math and Science
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009Tutoring and The Talent Code
Monday, December 7th, 2009Daniel Colye dissects the anatomy of talent in his 2009 book, The Talent Code. He argues that breakthrough teaching and practicing grows talent up to 10 times faster than ‘ordinary’ drilling. My Santa Barbara tutors definitely agree: there’s learning and then there’s Learning! Extraordinary teachers work at the edge of their student’s understanding – in the reach zone just beyond their current mastery. They chunk information – breaking down concepts into smaller, discrete parts. And they motivate students to practice, practice, practice. Many teachers love tutoring because the one-on-one format is ideal for teaching in this greatness ‘zone’. The book, by the way, is a super read!