Annika-Coyle-Ch5-7

 Chapter 5

Summary: Chapter 5 is all about ignition--the spark that starts the fire. Coyle talks a lot about the ignitions he found in the talent hotbeds and other studies regarding ignition in talented people. Our want for success in a certain area comes from within us. Something inside of us has to spark for us to want to learn and continue with something. The spark within us could come from an outside source. Often, we don’t even realize that something’s been ignited.

Application: I don’t remember what ignited my want to sing, but I remember the spark that made me want to teach. I watched a music theory professor at my community college teach us the simplest foundational things to know about theory in a way that you could see her passion and love for both the subject matter and her students. I hadn’t known what I wanted to do with music until that moment. After that, all I wanted to do was be just like her. I hope to help my students ignite their spark.

Chapter 6

Summary: In this chapter, Coyle talks about keeping the ignition lit and what it takes for an environment to remain motivated after the initial spark. He writes about how ignition can only stay lit when the correct mixture of primal cues and words. Research has shown that “empty praise,” which is seen when we compliment someone on their talent or intelligence, can do more harm than good. Praise of someone’s efforts or improvement has much better effects. 

Application: As a student, I was often praised for my “talent,” so as I got older and certain things got more difficult, I felt more inclined to give up, telling yself that I simply wasn’t talented anymore. I hope to absolutely not do this with my students. I want to praise them for their practice, effort, and improvement, because at the end of the day, that’s what matters and that will help them keep their passion ignited.

Chapter 7

Summary: Chapter 7 is all about KIPP. This program brings a new perspective to the conversation about myelin. One of the things I found most interesting about KIPP is the idea of stopping the entire school day to solve a problem. This makes it certain that myelin will not be formed AT ALL around certain circuits and regarding certain behaviors. It also makes the sense of community so strong. Everyone is in it together.

Application: In a less rigid way, I want to create that sense of community and group with my students. My choir teachers would always say “you’re only as strong as your weakest link.” I want to take that into my teaching in a way that shows my students to regard each other and myself as all on the same level, allowed to make mistakes, and to also show them that it’s okay to need help. It is much better to be vulnerable and ask for help than continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.