What is deliberate practice? An introduction to how students develop expertise
Exam season is growing closer and students might be asking for opportunities to get more practice before the end of the semester. Practice problems can be a good way to help students brush up on material, but what is going to get them thinking deeper?
Deliberate practice is a “type of practice [that is] consciously devoted to the improvement of a skill, as distinct from the exercise of that skill” (Hattie & Yates, 2013, p. 96). It is specific, frequent, and paired with targeted instructor feedback.
Deliberate practice is not an endless marathon of work. Rather it’s shorts sprints to the finish line, with rest breaks in between. It relies on excellent instructor feedback, students’ adaptability, and a goal-oriented mindset. Stay tuned for next week when we explore specific strategies surrounding deliberate practice to get your students thinking critically and engaging with your course.
In the interim, tell us how you use deliberate practice as an instructor. What does it look like? Do your students enjoy it? You may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Check out our upcoming workshop “Practice makes perfect: Strategies for student self-assessment” on April 12 at 12:15 pm to learn more about the role practice plays in lifelong learning.
