Teens talk to adults about how they develop motivation andmasteryThrough the voices of students themselves, Fires in the Mindbrings a game-changing question to teachers of adolescents: Whatdoes it take to get really good at something? Starting with whatthey already know and do well, teenagers from widely diversebackgrounds join a cutting-edge dialogue with adults about thedevelopment of mastery in and out of school. Their insights framemotivation, practice, and academic challenge in a new light thatgalvanizes more powerful learning for all. To put these students'ideas into practice, the book also includes practical tips foreducators.* Breaks new ground by bringing youth voices to a timelytopic-motivation and mastery* Includes worksheets, tips, and discussion guides that help putthe book's ideas into practice* Author has 18 previous books on adolescent learning and haswritten for the New York Times Magazine, EducationalLeadership, and American EducatorFrom the acclaimed author of Fires in the Bathroom, thisis the next-step book that pushes the conversation to next level,as teenagers tackle the pressing challenges of motivation andmastery.

Foreword by Dennis White ix1. What Does It Take to Get Good? 1Young people are developing mastery in ways we easily overlook2. Catching the Spark 11Kids tell what draws them in and gives them confidence in learning3. Keeping at It 31When do young people stick with something and make it their own?4. Asking the Experts 55Looking at how experts work, students make sense of their own process5. Exploring Deliberate Practice 71Young people look closer at what makes practice effective6. Practice and Performance 87Demonstrating mastery also helps students improve7. Bringing Practice into the Classroom 97Students imagine the classroom as a community of practice8. Is Homework Deliberate Practice? 117Whether, when, and how to give kids practice after class9. School Projects That Build Expert Habits 135Students talk about their most compelling curricula10. Making School a Community of Practice 153Kids suggest ways that schools can foster expert habitsAppendix A: The Practice Project: A Five-Day Curriculum Outline for Secondary Teachers or Advisers 159How to help students investigate the expert processAppendix B: Resources That Help Light Fires in the Mind 165Inspiration, tools, organizations, and other resourcesThe Student Contributors 173Acknowledgments 177About the Author 181About What Kids Can Do 182Index 183