how to neurotransmitters work?
they are sent by neurons through the axon to be received by other neurons, and this has a cascading effect
practicing is not only strengthening neural connections but also what
forgetting/erasing the inefficient connections
what is a neuronal ensemble?
a group of neurons. They can change and streamline to be more efficient to the thing you’re reinforcing.
what happens if you reinforce a neural pathway that is incorrect?
you strengthen it.
how do you ensure the right pathway is what ends up being reinforced?
if you make many mistakes, repeat the correct way over and over repeatedly to make it the more well-trodden path.
should you rather play fast with 80% accuracy or slow with 99% accuracy?
slow. playing fast with 80% accuracy only enforces bad habits, making learning slow or counterproductive
what is myelination?
when an axon repeatedly gets electricity sent through it (via neurons communicating), it gets wrapped in a sheath of fatty “Myelin,” making it a more efficient pathway.
how to make myelination occur?
through repetition. keep in mind that reinforcing BAD habits can also myelinate them. your brain doesn’t know a good habit from a bad one.
how to practice intonation?
don’t “adjust” the intonation after you’ve played the wrong note. Instead, try to hit the correct note immediately. If it is wrong, adjust for the next time you do it. Once you can hit the correct note more often than not with this method, repeat it over and over to ensure it is reinforced.
What is the Zimmerman model?
Step 1: Set specific goals, with specific practice methods.
Step 2: Self-monitor (i.e., recording yourself and analyzing it)
Step 3: Self-reflect, what went wrong and why
What did Suzuki, Akiho & Mitchell, Helen (2021) find the best performing pianist did within her practice?
- Recorded herself to self-analyze (Zimmerman step 2) mid-session very often.
- Took regular non-playing pauses to mark the score, study the score, and listen to her own recordings.
- Had a coherent plan before practicing.
- Focused on interpretive elements and making the performance musical, rather than simply the basic elements of the song such as “just hitting the notes.”
What did the lowest ranking musician in Suzuki, Akiho & Mitchell, Helen (2021) do that made them so much worse?
Did not have a coherent practice plan, and did not self-analyze (Zimmerman step 2) effectively.
What does focusing on interpretive elements (i.e dynamics) do?
It has been linked to better overall performance
What are some non-playing practice strategies?
- marking parts (i.e drawing on the score to indicate interpretive elements)
- reading score
- mental practice
is it better to do less repetitions with more breaks or more repetitions with less breaks?
less repetitions with more breaks.
What do highly self-regulated learners attribute outcomes to that leads them to higher self-efficacy?
specific strategies, and they switch their strategies rather than blaming a vague cause such as lack of ability
what do poorly self-regulated learners attribute outcomes to that leads them to lower self-efficacy?
vague things such as lack of ability, rather than specific practice methodology.
what did successful basketball players do that set them above the unsuccessful ones?
they had SPECIFIC goals like “make 10 baskets in a row” rather than just “score more”
