by Trevor Ragan and Alex Belser | Podcasts | Jungle Tiger – Train Ugly
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Improving the Quality of Practice for Better Learning
All practice is not created equally. To become a better learner we need to engage in more purposeful, deliberate practice. Anders Ericsson, one of the world’s leading experts in learning, explains how we can use his research to get better at getting better.
Key Points
Neuroplasticity & London Taxi Drivers
Neuroplasticity is the research that looks at how our brains physically change with practice. When we take enough action we build new connections (skills) in our brain. One study showed that when people complete the training program to become a London taxi driver, their hippocampus actually grows.
Taxi v Bus Drivers
Another study compared the brains of London taxi drivers to bus drivers. They selected participants that had spent the same amount of time driving – so the groups engaged in the same amount of practice. The brains of the taxi drivers would continue to change, however there was really no change for the bus drivers.
Quality AND Quantity
Yes, in order to build a skill we need to practice a lot. But we also need to focus on engaging in quality practice if we really want to get good.
Pillars of Better Practice
1. Pick a concrete skill
2. Find a model
3. Practice out of your comfort zone
4. Get feedback
Knowledge v Skill
We can gain knowledge by listening, watching, and reading. To build a skill, we need to take and sustain action.
The ROI of Learning
The willingness to spend a little time on YouTube being a novice can earn us life-changing skills.
Quick Links
Anders Ericsson
Peak by Anders Ericsson
Taxi v Bus Driver Study
Alex Belser
Trevor Ragan
