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“Productive Failure”: Why Early Floundering Leads to Better Learning
I think we all instinctively approach teaching with the goal of helping students avoid failure. So it's natural to step in with advice or corrections if we see students floundering about and approaching a problem the "wrong" way.
But what if stepping in too soon and taking away the early struggle actually hinders students' learning?
We certainly don't want students to get discouraged, of course. But a 2011 study suggests that too much guidance and instruction in the early stages of the learning process can lead to the illusion of better performance at first - but significantly "shallower" learning and worse performance in the long run.
But what would the alternative, "productive failure," look like exactly?
Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:
“Productive Failure”: Why Early Floundering Leads to Better Learning
-Noa
p.s. If you've wanted to try improvising, or be able to improvise with more confidence and overcome the fear of playing "wrong" notes, you can still register for the free improv play-along class with Christian Howes that's coming up this Wednesday (more details below).
Free Live Event This Week!
Though I did some improvising as a little kid, as I grew older, the idea of improvising became increasingly daunting, and I wasn't even sure where to start.
But improv doesn't have to be a painful, hit-or-miss process. And if you've tried and failed to stick with it before, there are good reasons why some methods may not have worked for you.
So, I've asked jazz violinist (and childhood Suzuki buddy) Christian Howes to lead a live play-along improv class this week. It's open to all instruments, all levels, and will be adaptable to different styles and different levels of challenge. The class is free, and will be on Wednesday, April 26th at 2pm Eastern (6pm UTC). A recording will be available if you can't make it.
You'll be playing (muted) the whole time, so be sure to have your instrument handy!
Early Bird Registration for Online Performance Science Conference Ends Soon!
The 8th international symposium Art in Motion is coming up on June 2nd and 3rd, and this year's theme is motivation. It's typically held in Munich, but will be completely online this year, so anyone can attend. Speakers include Mark Cuban (yes, that Mark Cuban), and many others whose research you've read here in previous weeks, like Robert Duke and Chia-Jung Tsay. I'll be doing a workshop, FWIW, and it's all organized by pianist/researcher Adina Mornell, who has been a podcast guest as well. Keynote sessions will be recorded if you aren't able to make the times work!
Early Bird registration ends April 30th, if you'd like to get a discounted rate on the registration fee:
Deep thought o' the week
"Every day, no matter how you fight it, you learn a little more about yourself, and all most of it does is teach humility."
-John D. MacDonald, writer
The Bulletproof Musician
If you struggle with nerves and inconsistent performances, know that you’re not alone! Join 45,000+ musicians and get weekly research-based performance psychology tips that will help you become more effective in the practice room and on stage.
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