Contrary to common belief, research shows that interlacing and varying skills during practice not only increases motivation but also enhances deeper learning. By interchanging tasks and taking breaks, learners have time to consolidate their knowledge and retrieve information from memory. This method, known as interleaving, is particularly beneficial for mastering complex skills. It can also be applied to multiple skills within the same task. For instance, in the context of public speaking, instead of focusing on one aspect at a time, like pacing, interlacing involves working on various elements simultaneously, such as voice modulation and delivery.
Today, we’re taking a break from war to talk about the science of human potential and a new book on that subject from the psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant. In 'Hidden Potential,' Grant shares stories and studies across sports, religious history, coaching, and economics to explain why we're bad at cultivating our own potential and identifying ability in others. We talk about education and affirmative action, scouting quarterbacks, coaching Steph Curry, and, for reasons that will soon become apparent, the spread of Protestantism.
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.
Host: Derek Thompson
Guest: Adam Grant
Producer: Devon Manze
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