Ben-Coyle-Ch8

Chapter 8 of Coyle’s “The Talent Code” is entitled “the talent whisperers.” In this chapter, Coyle gives examples of coaches who help more especially to build myelin than “regular” coaches. Coyle talks about the alleged “Extra-Sensory Perception” (half-kidding) of cello coach Hans Jensen: someone who could instinctively identify faults and offer corrective behavior. Basketball coach John Wooden was also noted for this: in fact, the majority of Wooden’s coaching was offering small but specific points of information-based correction. In addition to identifying and correcting faults, a useful skill for coaching is being adaptable to students of differing needs, notes Coyle. Hans Jensen is credited for adapting his teaching style to the differing needs of two students. A talent whisperer also helps maintain motivation, and piano teacher Mary Epperson is credited for doing this largely through positive reinforcement.

I appreciated much of what was discussed in this chapter. I thought the concept of extraordinary teachers being disguised as ordinary teachers was inspiring, especially coupled with the notion that many “all-stars” started off with “average” teachers. Apparently, the traditional notions of what defines a great teacher are not necessarily useful: one needs to inspire motivation (ignition), instinctively correct errors, and adapt to the needs of the student.

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