Dave Maxham on Automaticity: Where 'Rote' Fits into the Liberal Arts

About this episode

Dave Maxham discusses the importance of rote learning in fostering creativity and intellectual freedom.

Could creativity and intellectual freedom actually depend on the rote? Following up on his recent article for the Forum, math teacher Dave Maxham dives into why fundamentals and drills are integral to creativity—not hindrances. Between the "drill and kill" and the "free inquiry" camps lies the golden mean: an understanding that mastery and even delight in the basics allows for real, nimble handling of creative problems. Chapters: 3:19 Defining automaticity, creativity 7:09 The automatic enables the creative 15:14 Returning to basics, overcoming boredom 19:14 Struggle and humility bear fruit 24:05 Mastery and the intrinsic payoff 27:24 Model delight in your subject 35:13 With low standards, high expectations 42:25 The goals of homework 47:58 Cover less material, emphasize process 55:45 Letting them work it out Links: Automaticity and Creativity by David Maxham Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton (see chapter 4, "The Ethics of Elfland") Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshnell The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath Also on the Forum: Classroom Habits of…

People in this episode

Guest: Dave Maxham

Topics covered

• automaticity
• creativity
• liberal arts
• education fundamentals
• mastery
• drills
• intellectual freedom

Keywords

• automaticity
• creativity
• liberal arts
• education
• fundamentals
• drills
• mastery

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Automaticity and Creativity, Orthodoxy, Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation and Explicit Teaching, The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again

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