The Power of Deliberate Practice
In this first issue I will be sharing with you 5 top tips for effective deliberate practice to get the most out of your skill based learning.
One of the best strategies a student can learn is the power of deliberate practice.
As a student technician with the ambulance service back in 2018, I was bombarded with having to learn so many different skills that I needed to be proficient in order to become a competent clinician.
I remember reading a quote by Gladswell:
“It takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials“
So I thought to myself “how am I going to cram in 10,000 hours of deliberate practice into a 12 month course?”
Answer: Volume! Lots and lots of volume.
The result: one stressed out student who still struggled to deliver when the moment required it.
So what was I doing wrong?
“The Problem was I focused too much on the quantity rather than the quality of my practice!”
This doesn’t have to be the same for you, by making some simple changes, becoming more focused on the quality of your practice rather than the quantity, you will not only develop incredible confidence in any of your practical skills, but able to perform those skills in high pressured situations easily.
Here are my 5 best tips to approach any effective deliberate practice.
Tip 1: Design the perfect mental model.
There is no point tying to learn a new skill if you don’t have a point of reference.
The perfect mental model.
Build a mental schema by utilising multiple learning styles to create that perfect mental model.
Watch experts performing the skill.
Listen to experts talking about their experiences & the best tips & trick to success
Develop a background understanding of the reason why this skill is required & why it is important.
Ask as many questions that you may have to develop better understanding & awareness.
Tip 2: Challenge your practice.
Once you’ve established a perfect model and have mastered the skill at its basic level, it’s time to increase the stress stimulus.
Start introducing gradual challenging scenarios trying to perform the necessary skill under pressure. Slowly increase the demand, create stress and difficulty whilst incorporating the use of the new skill.
This will continue to build confidence in your deliberate practice of that skill.
It’s more fun and engaging and we improve our learning when we challenge ourselves with realistic simulation drills.
Be creative! Work with other colleagues & enjoy yourself.
Tip 3: Self - Reflection is key to self improvement
There has been numerous research studies looking at the effects of Self reflection when it comes to practical skill building and improvements.
After each attempt of any skill I would take a moment to critically self reflect on how I thought it went, the strength and weakness and most importantly an action plan for the next attempt.
making a conscious effort to self reflect and think about the good, the bad and the ugly I was able to build that practice - feedback loop and maximising the benefits of deliberate practice.
Next time instead of doing loads of repetitions, cut it in half and commit to that practice-feedback loop, your efficiency will improve greatly.
Tip 4: Gain Expert Feedback
To complement your self reflection and give you another perspective, ask for constructive feedback.
But instead of getting feedback from your friends & colleague, try to get feedback from either an expert or someone who is very proficient at that skill.
I would ask my lecturer or an experienced paramedic to watch me and advised me on how it went and what I could do better next time.
Doing so will give you more bang for buck when it comes to identifying key improvements, but also be able to provide you effective ideas of how best to improve yourself.
Valuable feedback is priceless.
Tip 5: Practice with intensity
When I was preparing for my ILS OSCE I would rep out as many practice goes as possible, sometimes accumulating 10-12 attempts in a day.
which looking back was mental!
By the end of the 3rd, maybe 4th practice attempt, my brain and body was fried and the remaining 6-7 attempts would be a waste of time.
Now, I practice with intensity and purpose.
I would complete 2-3 attempts max in the morning, go off for a break and then return in the afternoon for another 2-3 attempts especially after I’ve carried out some self reflection and listened to my expert feedback.
The improvements I saw in my skill building and my mental state was incredible.
Check out James Clear’s articles on deliberate practice if you wish to dive into more detail and see other examples.
https://jamesclear.com/deliberate-practice-theory
TL:DR
Deliberate practice is how we develop that expert level of skill, but instead of worrying about the quantity, focus on the quality of your skill based learning.
You can do this by:
Developing that perfect mental model.
Challenge your practice.
Self reflection
Gain expert feedback
Practice with intensity
I hope you have enjoyed reading my first newsletter, please comment below if you have any questions or would to share any of your experiences of deliberate practice.
I would love to connect with you all.
Please share this with all your student friends and colleagues and that let’s work together to become lifelong learners.
Have a great week!