Growing a Culture of Learning (Part 9 of 10) - Growing Learner Practice

Routines help students develop automaticity of certain skills, allowing their brains to focus on new and challenging tasks. Given consistent daily practice, today’s challenge becomes tomorrow’s routine. ~ Jeff C. Marshall (2019, p. 61)

Deliberate practice is purposeful and systemic. It means the quality of the practice matters as much as the quantity. It’s focused with the goal of improving performance. Think about the practice that your learners are currently involved in. Does it have these characteristics?

• Focused—helps learners set short-term goals and monitor progress toward proficiency
• Intentional—thoughtfully planned and built in by the teacher, who teaches learners to build it in for themselves
• Aimed—focused on small pieces with actionable feedback provided
• Regular— happens daily/weekly. Time is allocated for learners to give/get feedback and make improvements.
• Reflective—leads to natural self-assessment

In your culture of learning, create opportunities for learners to practice in meaningful, authentic ways. Make practice deliberate; include structures that build consistent practices focused on students being aware of where they are vs. where they want/need to be. Engage them in the process of planning how they will reach their goal.

Deliberate practice doesn’t happen by accident.

What aspects of practice are a strength in your class?