Looking at how a child’s ability and skills can be developed through practice, Stobart’s book will be useful for teachers working with younger pupils.
The expert learner: challenging the myth of ability
Synopsis
Gordon Stobart challenges the assumption that ability is fixed or limited by our genetic inheritance, and instead argues that it can be developed through applied learning and structured practice.
Focusing on the role of other factors such as self-belief, and the willingness to make mistakes in the pursuit of excellence he draws on lessons learned from child prodigies in music, and from successful men and women in sports, IT and science to point out some of the key ways ability can be developed, such as giving people opportunities; the need for deliberate and extensive practice; and having high expectations and motivation.
He also discusses approaches to diagnostics and assessment and the role of mentoring, explaining how small advantages can lead to a greater advantage as pupils are given more chances to develop their learning.