Where it is used
Each entry identifies the volume, edition, chapter or appendix in which the work appears.
The evidence behind the series
Follow the research.
Explore every source.
Browse the scientific research and professional literature used across all seven volumes of The Science of Learning for Educators.
7book volumes
8author ranges
1searchable library
Search the collection
Find a paper, author or idea.
Choose an author range, search a title or concept, or narrow the collection by source type. Open any result to see where it appears in the books, read its evidence summary and follow available source links.
1 reference
-
- Vol 4 RE: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, App A, App B
- Vol 4 TE: App C
deliberate practiceexpert performancespecialised mental representationsperformance feedbackstructured trainingskill refinementBook chapter Evidence summaryAt a glance
Ericsson reviews evidence that superior performance develops through prolonged engagement in deliberate practice rather than experience, repetition, or innate talent alone. Deliberate practice consists of demanding tasks selected to improve specific aspects of performance, clear goals, informative feedback, opportunities for correction, and repeated refinement just beyond current competence.
Key ideas
It is effortful and is typically supported by teachers, coaches, representations of expert performance, and access to structured training environments. Experts develop specialised mental representations that help them notice relevant patterns, plan, monitor, and adapt their actions. Mere years in a domain do not guarantee improvement because routine performance can become automated without continuing to target weaknesses. The chapter surveys developmental histories and laboratory evidence across domains while recognising constraints from motivation, resources, opportunity, health, and the structure of each field.
Why it matters
Educationally, the argument supports carefully sequenced practice with feedback and reflection, not mechanical drill or the claim that a single hour threshold guarantees expertise.
A transparent research trail
More than a bibliography.
What it contributes
Evidence summaries explain the central idea and why the source matters to educators.
How to access it
Entries link to lawful full text where available, or to a publisher, library or purchase page.
Edition abbreviations
- TE
- Teacher Edition
- PE
- Practice Edition
- RE
- Research Edition
Citation checks
References are checked against publisher records, scholarly indexes, DOI or ISBN metadata, repositories and author records where available. An entry marked [Citation not verified] preserves the wording found in the relevant volume without attributing findings to an unconfirmed work.
From sources to a coherent pathway