Description
Book SynopsisIn
The Quest for Mastery, Sam M. Intrator and Don Siegel investigate an emerging trend: the growth of out-of-school programmes dedicated to helping underserved youth develop the personal qualities and capacities that will help them succeed in school, college, and beyond. Intensive programmes from rowing to youth radio, from lacrosse to studio art, aim to create "communities of practice" that capture young people's interest and support them as they strive to excel. Through richly detailed accounts, the authors describe the unconventional ways these programmes have evolved and articulate the formidable challenges they face in operationalising their aspirations.
By documenting the powerful effect out-of-school programmes like these can have in transforming lives, the authors show how young people can become engaged in meaningful and productive learning experiences and highlight the poignant contrast between what these students experience inside and outside of school.
Trade Review“ This terrific book is proof of hope made real in the lives of the kids who need it most.” — Neil Nicoll, president and CEO, YMCA of the USA
“ With intelligence and compassion, The Quest for Mastery documents how a well-run afterschool program can turn around the life of an at-risk child and help kids who are struggling discover the focus, self-discipline, and sense of community they need to succeed.” —Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO, Harlem Children’s Zone
Table of ContentsCONTENTSPREFACE ix
INTRODUCTION “Everything and the Kitchen Sink” 1
CHAPTER ONE The Promise of Out-of-School Programs 19
CHAPTER TWO The Framework for Getting Good at Anything 39
CHAPTER THREE Communities of Practice 51
Absorbed in AchievingCHAPTER FOUR Learning a Mastery Mindset 69
The Will to ExcelCHAPTER FIVE Intrinsic Motivation 93
Energized from WithinCHAPTER SIX Acquiring Social Capital 115
New Connections, New ContextsCHAPTER SEVEN The Transfer of Supercognitives 141
Deploying Skills Across SettingsCHAPTER EIGHT What Schools Don’t Do 157
APPENDIX A About Project Coach 177
APPENDIX B Program Descriptions 181
APPENDIX C Interviews and Conversations 189
APPENDIX D Notes for New Staff Members 193
NOTES 205
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 217
ABOUT THE AUTHORS 221
INDEX 223
