{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Dave Maxham on Automaticity: Where \u2018Rote\u2019 Fits into the Liberal Arts","description":"Could creativity and intellectual freedom actually depend on the rote? Following up on his recent article for the Forum, math teacher Dave Maxham dives into why fundamentals and drills are integral to creativity\u2014not hindrances. Between the \u201cdrill and kill\u201d and the \u201cfree inquiry\u201d camps lies the golden mean: an understanding that mastery and even delight in the basics allows for real, nimble handling of creative problems. Chapters: 3:19 Defining automaticity, creativity 7:09 The automatic enables the creative 15:14 Returning to basics, overcoming boredom 19:14 Struggle and humility bear fruit 24:05 Mastery and the intrinsic payoff 27:24 Model delight in your subject 35:13 With low standards, high expectations 42:25 The goals of homework 47:58 Cover less material, emphasize process 55:45 Letting them work it out Links: Automaticity and Creativity by David Maxham Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton (see chapter 4, \u201cThe Ethics of Elfland\u201d) Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshnell The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids\u2019 Learning\u2014And How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath Also on the Forum: Classroom Habits of Attention in the Age of AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti Mathematics: The Lost Liberal Art featuring Dave Maxham The Math Problem: Tackling the \u201cI\u2019m Terrible at Math\u201d Mentality featuring Dave Maxham Featured Opportunities: Parents\u2019 Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026) \u2013 link coming soon The Art of Teaching Boys Conference at The Heights School (May 6-8, 2026) \u2013 waitlist Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026) Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 2026) ","author_name":"HeightsCast: Forming Men Fully Alive","author_url":"https:\/\/heights.edu\/heightscast\/","html":"