Le Duc’s Teaching with AI Methodologies and Strategies

Video Recording from the Summer 2025 Conference

PART I – HUMAN

Scott answers the questions posted to the poll for the conference session.

Scott’s initial response to AI in schools
Podcast generated by Notebook LM highlighting Scott’s teaching methodology.

Pre-Session Poll Results 8/5/2025

  • What AI tools actually teach learning rather than give answers.
    • It is really how the AI is used. Who’s doing the thinking in the interaction with AI? That said, Magic School.ai has some great resources

PART II – HUMAN + AI

Scott answers the questions posted to the poll for the conference session by creating a ‘new’ structure for learning and teaching. The details below are what he used to design a new structure around students learning how to learn and teachers organizing a classroom for continuous improvement.

Scott’s Notebook LM Prompt

PROMPT

  • As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) professional curriculum designer, you need to create a course outline based on the nine steps of Scott Young’s ultralearning and kaizen from W. Edwards Deming’s Total Quality Management principles applied to education.
  • Format this for a WordPress blog post with headings and links to the recommended resources.
  • Use headings for each of the nine steps.
  • Under each heading, highlight short bulleted checklists starting with action verbs as directives to students and teachers to complete. These steps should be in the necessary logical order needed for completion of the ultralearning project.
  • Include recommended AI learning techniques and cite the best AI tools for the task (Claude for writing, Gemini for Google integration, etc) to help the student be an active learner and not rely on AI for answers.
  • For the teacher, highlight kaizen continuous improvement principles from W. Edwards Deming’s Total Quality Management in each step of ultralearning.
  • Structure the continuous improvement kaizen elements for the teacher to manage all the students in the class. Highlight which data can be gathered from students to track progress. Each student will have their own ultralearning plan. But the teacher needs to manage all the students’ plans. Include student progress data gathering strategies to help the teacher manage the class progress.
  • Use clear language that both high school students and teachers can understand.

Notebook LM Resources Accessed by the Prompt

Scott’s Notebook LM Prompt Results

I copied and pasted the results from Notebook LM. Then I went through and curated the material to make sure that the language is accurate resources worked, and generally streamlined the process.

RESULTS

Course Outline Podcast

Course Outline Slideshow

Course Outline

Here’s a course outline designed for CTE students and teachers, integrating Scott Young’s Ultralearning principles with W. Edwards Deming’s Kaizen for continuous improvement, formatted as a WordPress blog post.

Mastering Your Craft: An Ultralearning & Kaizen Blueprint for CTE Success

In Career and Technical Education (CTE), hands-on skills and real-world applications are paramount. But how do you accelerate learning, truly master complex abilities, and ensure continuous improvement in a dynamic field? This course outline combines Scott Young’s Ultralearning – an intense, self-directed strategy for rapid skill acquisition – with W. Edwards Deming’s Kaizen (continuous improvement) principles, adapted for the modern classroom.

This blueprint provides actionable steps for students to take ownership of their learning and for teachers to cultivate an environment of sustained excellence. We’ll also explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be powerful allies in this journey, not as substitutes for thinking, but as extensions of your own cognitive power.

1. Meta-Learning: Charting Your Learning Expedition

Before diving into the “how,” take time to map out your learning journey. This initial research and assessment phase helps clarify your purpose, identify essential knowledge, and strategize your approach. Dedicate 5-10% of your total learning time to this crucial step.

For Students: Define Your Ultralearning Project

  • Identify your core learning objectives: What specific skill or knowledge do you want to master, and why is it important to you?
  • Determine the desired outcome: What will success look like and how will you measure it?
  • Brainstorm potential resources: What courses, tutorials, books, or experts can guide you?
  • Anticipate challenges and potential bottlenecks: What difficulties might you encounter?

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “You are an expert at [CTE topic, e.g., ‘sustainable architecture’]. How would you recommend a beginner learn this topic effectively? Create a syllabus and lesson plan, and list other essential concepts to explore, explaining why each is important.” This helps construct a sequence for learning.

• NotebookLM:

    ◦ Use: Upload any initial research papers, articles, or relevant documentation. Use NotebookLM to summarize dense information and identify key concepts, reducing cognitive load.

For Teachers: Cultivating a System for Clarity

  • Facilitate initial project definition: Hold individual conferences with students to help them articulate their Ultralearning goals.
  • Collect student “why” data: Create a centralized log (e.g., a shared Google Sheet) for each student’s chosen project, objectives, and their personal “why.” This helps connect learning to intrinsic motivation.
  • Identify systemic needs: Review collected goals to find common themes or resource gaps across student plans, signaling areas where the system can be improved. This applies Deming’s principle of “understanding variation” to classroom needs.
  • Design for transparency: Ensure students understand how their individual projects contribute to broader learning objectives in the CTE program, aligning with a “systemic view”.

2. Focus: Building Your Deep Work Sanctuary

Effective learning requires deep concentration. Without it, your efforts will be scattered and inefficient. This step is about designing your environment and routine to minimize distractions and maximize focused effort.

For Students: Optimize Your Learning Environment

  • Design a dedicated “deep work” space, free from interruptions.
  • Eliminate digital distractions: Put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs and applications.
  • Schedule specific blocks of time for focused learning in your calendar.
  • Practice single-tasking: Resist the urge to multitask during these sessions.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “Suggest strategies to manage digital distractions while studying. Provide a personalized focus routine I can implement daily.”

• Google Calendar (integrated with Gemini):

    ◦ Use: Use Gemini’s mobile version to voice-create tasks for your deep work sessions, ensuring they’re scheduled and accessible.

For Teachers: Nurturing a Focused Learning Climate

  • Model focused work: Demonstrate concentrated effort during class sessions.
  • Drive out fear (Deming): Create a classroom environment where students feel psychologically safe to make mistakes and experiment, reducing anxiety that hinders focus.
  • Observe engagement patterns: Note periods and types of activities that foster or disrupt deep focus across the class, providing data for process improvement.
  • Optimize class activities: Adjust lesson structures or provide “mindfulness” breaks (as suggested by JW Wilson) to help regulate energy and refocus attention.

3. Directedness: Learning by Doing

True mastery comes from actively engaging with the material, not just passively consuming it. This principle emphasizes “learning by doing” and tailoring your practice to the real-world contexts where you’ll use your skills.

For Students: Apply Your Knowledge Actively

  • Translate theoretical concepts into practical application immediately through mini-projects.
  • Prioritize hands-on exercises and simulations over reading or listening.
  • Tailor your practice: Ensure what you’re doing directly matches how you’ll use the skill in a CTE setting.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “Given the concept of [e.g., ‘CAD software basics’], propose three practical mini-projects or design challenges where I can apply this skill.”

• Claude:

    ◦ Prompt: “Draft a simple project plan or task list for [project name] that incorporates the application of [skill/concept, e.g., ‘welding techniques’].” Claude’s structured output can help organize steps.

• Google Sheets (integrated with Gemini):

    ◦ Use: Ask Gemini to create tables to track project progress and skill application within your Google Sheets, making it easy to see what you’ve accomplished17.

For Teachers: Empowering Project-Based Learning

  • Design for direct application: Structure CTE curriculum around authentic, project-based learning experiences that require students to apply skills in real-world contexts.
  • Track application data: Utilize shared Trello boards (as Scott Le Duc does) or collaborative Google Docs to monitor each student’s progress on applying skills within their projects.
  • Focus on the process, not just output (Deming): Emphasize how students are doing the work, not just the final product. Provide feedback on the learning process itself.
  • Use “capacity matrices” (Deming/Tribus): Empower students to self-assess their know-how and wisdom in applying skills, shifting focus from extrinsic grades to intrinsic understanding.

4. Drill: Conquering Your Weaknesses

Every skill has foundational components. Drill involves identifying your weakest links or “bottlenecks” and intensely practicing those specific areas until they no longer hold you back….

For Students: Target Your Skill Gaps

  • Identify your specific skill bottlenecks through self-assessment or feedback.
  • Break down complex skills into smaller, manageable components.
  • Devise targeted exercises for your weakest components and practice them relentlessly.
  • Monitor your improvement in these drilled areas.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “I am struggling with [specific skill, e.g., ‘precision cutting in woodworking’]. Break it down into 5-7 fundamental sub-skills and suggest targeted drilling exercises for each.”

• NotebookLM:

    ◦ Use: Upload your project notes, rubric feedback, or self-assessment reflections. “Analyze my learning artifacts and identify potential skill bottlenecks based on common challenges in [your CTE area].”

For Teachers: Systemic Bottleneck Identification and Support

  • Gather granular skill data: Use formative assessments, observation notes, or project rubrics to identify common skill bottlenecks across the class, not just for individual students.
  • Provide differentiated “drills”: Offer targeted workshops or resources to address frequently identified skill gaps, managing the “variation” in student needs.
  • Avoid “rank and yank” (Deming): Do not single out individuals for “remedial attention” in a way that is demotivating. Instead, improve the system to support all learners in overcoming common challenges.
  • Use Professionalism Rubric (Scott Le Duc): For advanced students, this can provide data on “soft skill” bottlenecks, encouraging self-improvement in areas like communication or collaboration.

5. Retrieval: Strengthening Your Memory Muscles

The act of recalling information from memory is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen learning. Instead of constantly reviewing notes, actively test yourself to embed knowledge deeper into your long-term memory.

For Students: Actively Recall What You’ve Learned

  • Practice active recall: Close your notes and try to remember key facts or procedures.
  • Explain concepts in your own words, as if teaching someone else (the Feynman Technique).
  • Attempt practice problems or simulate tasks without looking up answers immediately.
  • Collaborate with peers by quizzing each other and discussing concepts.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “You are a [CTE subject] professor. Create a 10-question short-answer practice test on [topic, e.g., ‘electrical circuitry basics’] to evaluate my understanding. Provide answers with detailed explanations and common pitfalls.”

• Claude:

    ◦ Prompt: “I am learning about [concept, e.g., ‘aerodynamics in drone design’]. Explain it in simple terms. Then, I will try to explain it back to you. Provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of my explanation and suggest other points to explore for a well-rounded perspective.” This encourages active explanation and receiving feedback on it31.

For Teachers: Designing for Deep Understanding

  • Integrate retrieval practice: Implement regular, low-stakes quizzes, concept mapping exercises, or “teach-back” activities throughout units.
  • Support productive struggle: Encourage students to attempt answers or problems before consulting resources, reinforcing the value of effort and process over immediate correctness32.
  • Gather data on understanding: Observe student responses during retrieval activities. Are they just recalling facts, or demonstrating deeper “inside-out” understanding and ability to transfer principles?
  • Provide “relentless help” (Deming): When students struggle during retrieval, offer support and guidance rather than punitive grades. Shift deadlines to “target dates” to allow for iterative learning and improvement.

6. Feedback: The Compass for Improvement

Feedback is essential for identifying what’s working, what’s not, and how to course-correct. Seek out constructive and corrective criticism, not just praise, and be ready to implement it.

For Students: Embrace Constructive Criticism

  • Actively seek feedback from teachers, peers, and industry professionals.
  • Analyze feedback to pinpoint specific areas for improvement in your skills or projects.
  • Implement changes based on the feedback you receive, testing their impact.
  • Distinguish between ego-boosting praise and actionable, corrective criticism.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “I have drafted [specific work, e.g., ‘a safety protocol for the workshop’]. Please provide specific, constructive feedback on its [aspects, e.g., clarity, completeness, adherence to industry standards]. Focus on areas for improvement.”

• Google Docs (integrated with Gemini):

    ◦ Use: Upload project drafts. Use Gemini’s side panel to summarize feedback from multiple sources or to draft professional responses to feedback, streamlining the process.

For Teachers: Cultivating a Feedback-Rich System

  • Establish a feedback culture: Promote feedback as a tool for continuous improvement, not a punitive measure. Encourage students to view feedback as a gift.
  • Utilize diverse feedback mechanisms: Implement peer reviews, self-assessments using rubrics, and direct teacher-student feedback loops.
  • Track feedback implementation: Monitor how students are acting on feedback. This could be done through revision logs in shared documents or brief check-ins.
  • Promote “cooperation” (Deming): Design activities that require students to give and receive feedback from peers, fostering a community of learners where mutual support is key to success.

7. Retention: Making Learning Stick

It’s not enough to learn something quickly; you need to retain it. This principle focuses on strategies to prevent forgetting and ensure your skills stay sharp over time, often by applying them in new contexts.

For Students: Consolidate Your Knowledge

  • Schedule regular review sessions for previously learned material.
  • Repackage your skills: Find new projects or scenarios where you can apply existing knowledge in novel ways.
  • Teach complex topics to others to solidify your understanding and memory.
  • Revisit foundational concepts periodically.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• NotebookLM:

    ◦ Use: Upload all your project documents, notes, and previous assignments. “Summarize the core concepts and skills I gained from [previous project, e.g., ‘the robotics challenge’]. Now, propose three new scenarios or advanced projects where I could apply these same skills.” This helps connect past learning to future application540.

• Claude/ChatGPT/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “I want to create a short tutorial video explaining [skill/concept, e.g., ‘safe operation of a drill press’]. Outline the key steps and essential safety tips.” (Helps in teaching others).

For Teachers: Designing for Long-Term Mastery

  • Implement spiraled curriculum: Design CTE programs where key skills and concepts are revisited and integrated into increasingly complex projects throughout the year or across multiple years.
  • Encourage varied application: Promote projects that require students to apply skills across different disciplines (e.g., a robotics project that integrates engineering, math, and technical writing).
  • Track long-term skill development: Use portfolios or capstone projects as a method to assess and showcase retained learning and skill mastery over extended periods.
  • Emphasize value creation (Deming): Discuss how consistent skill retention allows students to “create value in society” long after graduation, promoting a long-term purpose for learning.

8. Intuition: Developing Your “Sixth Sense”

As you gain experience, you’ll develop a deep, almost subconscious understanding of your craft – an intuition that allows you to solve problems and adapt without conscious effort. This goes beyond mere recall to true, integrated understanding.

For Students: Build Your Expert Instincts

  • Immerse yourself deeply in your chosen CTE field through extensive practice and exposure.
  • Reflect on your problem-solving processes to recognize recurring patterns.
  • Question assumptions and conventional wisdom; seek deeper, underlying principles.
  • Engage with concrete, real-world examples to build an intuitive grasp of complex ideas.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “I am learning about [complex CTE topic, e.g., ‘advanced manufacturing processes’]. Generate 3-5 complex, real-world problems or case studies that require deep, intuitive understanding beyond surface-level facts.”

• Claude:

    ◦ Prompt: “Explain the nuances and subtle decisions a [professional, e.g., ‘master electrician’] would make in scenario [X] that a beginner might miss.” Claude can help illuminate expert thinking.

For Teachers: Fostering Intuitive Understanding

  • Cultivate a culture of inquiry: Encourage students to ask “why” and “how” questions, challenging them to seek root causes and deeper understanding, a core aspect of Deming’s philosophy….
  • Prioritize “discovery” over “covering”: Shift from rushing through content to allowing students to explore and discover ideas at their own pace, enabling profound learning and intuition to develop.
  • Observe evidence of generalization: Look for instances where students apply principles to novel problems or demonstrate flexible thinking “from the inside out”.
  • Emphasize “meaning” (Deming/Wilson): Connect every learning activity to a student’s personal “meaning network,” fostering the deep engagement required for intuition to flourish….

9. Experimentation: Innovating and Evolving Your Craft

At the peak of performance, experts don’t just replicate; they experiment. This involves trying new approaches, refining your process, and developing your unique style. It keeps learning fun and pushes the boundaries of your craft…

For Students: Innovate and Refine

  • Actively try new tools, techniques, or methods within your projects.
  • Analyze the outcomes of your experiments, noting what works and what doesn’t.
  • Develop your own unique style or process, rather than just copying others.
  • Share your experimental findings and learn from your peers’ attempts.

Recommended AI Learning Techniques & Tools:

• ChatGPT/Gemini/Magic School:

    ◦ Prompt: “Given my current project [description] and my goal to [objective], propose 3-5 experimental approaches or alternative methods I could try to optimize my process.”

• Claude/NotebookLM/Magic School (for data analysis/visualization):

    ◦ Use: Upload data from your experiments (e.g., performance metrics, material usage). “Visualize the results of my experiment [data/description]. Help me analyze patterns, identify unexpected outcomes, and suggest next steps for optimization.”

For Teachers: Driving Systemic Innovation (Kaizen)

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement: Encourage a mindset where students and staff consistently seek ways to improve processes, aligning with the core of Kaizen.
  • Support productive failure: Create an environment where “failure” in experiments is seen as valuable data for learning and improvement, not a reason for punishment. This is critical for driving out fear.
  • Implement PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) Cycle (Deming): Guide students in systematically planning experiments, executing them, studying the results, and acting on their findings to refine their learning processes.
  • Gather data on experimental learning: Encourage students to maintain learning logs or project journals detailing their experiments, hypotheses, results, and lessons learned. This provides rich qualitative data for class progress.
  • Promote collaboration and sharing: Create platforms for students to present their experimental findings and insights to their peers, fostering a collective learning environment and cross-pollination of ideas, breaking down organizational “silos”.

Important Note on AI

AI tools are powerful, but they are extensions of your thinking, not replacements for it. Always critically evaluate AI-generated information, as it can sometimes be inaccurate or lack the “street smarts” that come from real-world experience. Your human critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity remain paramount…

Recommended Resources

Scott Le Duc’s Resources from Conference Presentations

Jeff Su’s Master the Perfect ChatGPT Prompt Formula (in just 8 minutes)!

Jeff Su’s Learn 80% of NotebookLM in Under 13 Minutes!

Post-session Survey

This will help improve these workshops – THANKS!

Please fill in the anonymous What Works and What Doesn’t Google Form

Here is another version with names: More of, Less of Feedback Form

Play Like Stevie Ray Vaughan Ultralearning Project

Prompt: Create a learning plan over 5 days with multiple sessions a day to learn the techniques in the videos from Your Guitar Academy’s How To Play Like Stevie Ray Vaughan series

To create a comprehensive 5-day learning plan based on the techniques presented in the provided video series, we will structure the plan to incorporate multiple sessions each day, focusing on gradual skill acquisition and practice. The learning plan will align with instructional design principles such as retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and scaffolding.

Results from Claude

I’ll create a 5-day learning plan that incorporates Scott Young’s ultralearning principles to help you learn Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing style. This plan divides each day into three 1-hour sessions (morning, noon, and evening) for a structured approach to mastering SRV’s techniques.

5-Day Ultralearning Plan: How To Play Like Stevie Ray Vaughan

Overview

This plan combines Scott Young’s ultralearning principles with focused study of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing techniques. Each day consists of three 1-hour sessions designed to maximize learning efficiency.

Day 1: Foundation Building

Morning: Metalearning

  • 15 min: Research SRV’s background, influences, and key techniques
  • Excellent exposé on SRV tone secrets
  • 15 min: Set specific learning goals for each day of your plan
    • I will place the videos I watch for each time slot in the schedule below and use this post as my journal
    • I will also use my paper-based Practice Log to record what I did, when I did it, and how it went
  • 30 min: Watch the first videos in the series to understand the core elements of SRV’s style

Noon: Focus & Directness

  • 10 min: Practice basic blues scale positions SRV commonly used
  • 20 min: Work on SRV’s right-hand technique (pick grip, attack, dynamics)
  • 30 min: Slow practice of basic SRV licks from the video

Evening: Drill & Retrieval

  • 20 min: Practice string bending and vibrato techniques
  • 20 min: Work on shuffle rhythm patterns in Texas blues style
  • 20 min: Record yourself playing basic licks and critically review

Day 2: Technical Development

Morning: Focus on Fundamentals

  • 15 min: Warm-up with SRV-style blues scale runs
  • 30 min: Deep dive into SRV’s tone (amp settings, guitar setup)
  • 15 min: Watch next video in series, taking detailed notes

Noon: Deliberate Practice

  • 30 min: Break down one signature SRV lick and practice at 50% speed
  • 15 min: Study SRV’s chord voicings and transitions
  • 15 min: Practice integrating chords and single-note lines

Evening: Feedback & Analysis

  • 20 min: Record yourself playing the day’s material
  • 20 min: Compare your playing to SRV’s, identify gaps
  • 20 min: Create specific drills to address technical weaknesses

Day 3: Style Integration

Morning: Active Learning

  • 10 min: Review previous days’ material
  • 20 min: Watch next video in series with active note-taking
  • 30 min: Practice SRV’s double-stop techniques and position shifts

Noon: Directness

  • 15 min: Learn one complete SRV intro or solo section at slow speed
  • 30 min: Practice SRV’s rhythmic feel and timing
  • 15 min: Work on dynamic control (loud/soft playing)

Evening: Retrieval Practice

  • 20 min: Play previously learned licks without referring to videos
  • 20 min: Improvise using SRV vocabulary in different keys
  • 20 min: Record and analyze your improvisation

Day 4: Expanding Vocabulary

Morning: Intuition Building

  • 15 min: Transcribe a short SRV phrase by ear
  • 30 min: Watch next video in series focusing on phrasing techniques
  • 15 min: Practice SRV’s vibrato techniques at different speeds

Noon: Skill Integration

  • 20 min: Combine rhythm and lead techniques in a 12-bar blues
  • 20 min: Practice SRV’s approach to standard blues turnarounds
  • 20 min: Work on seamlessly transitioning between rhythm and lead playing

Evening: Experimentation

  • 30 min: Try applying SRV techniques to a song you already know
  • 15 min: Record your playing and identify improvement areas
  • 15 min: Create a list of specific techniques to refine tomorrow

Day 5: Performance Integration

Morning: Mastery Focus

  • 15 min: Review all key SRV techniques covered so far
  • 30 min: Watch final videos in the series for advanced concepts
  • 15 min: Create a short practice routine for maintaining these skills

Noon: Performance Practice

  • 15 min: Work on one complete SRV-style solo at performance tempo
  • 30 min: Practice playing along with SRV recordings
  • 15 min: Focus on maintaining technique while playing at full speed

Evening: Reflection & Continuation Planning

  • 20 min: Record a full performance incorporating the week’s learning
  • 20 min: Compare with recordings from Day 1 to see progress
  • 20 min: Create a follow-up learning plan for continued development

Ultralearning Principles Application

  1. Metalearning: Research and planning approach before diving in
  2. Focus: Dedicated distraction-free practice sessions
  3. Directness: Playing actual songs and licks rather than just theory
  4. Drill: Breaking down difficult techniques for targeted practice
  5. Retrieval: Playing from memory, not just following along
  6. Feedback: Regular recording and critical listening
  7. Retention: Spaced repetition of techniques throughout the plan
  8. Intuition: Ear training and improvisation to internalize the style
  9. Experimentation: Applying techniques in different musical contexts

Daily Progress Tracking

Keep a practice journal with:

  • Techniques mastered
  • Areas needing improvement
  • Specific licks learned
  • Ideas for future practice
  • Questions for further research

This plan integrates Scott Young’s ultralearning principles with a focused study of SRV’s playing techniques. Each day builds progressively on the previous one, moving from foundational skills to more advanced applications.

Key features of this plan

  1. Structured progression – Moving from basic techniques to full performance
  2. Balanced approach – Combining theory, technical practice, and playing
  3. Deliberate practice – Breaking complex techniques into manageable components
  4. Regular feedback – Recording yourself daily to track progress
  5. Active learning – Engaging deeply with the video material rather than passive watching

To maximize results, I recommend

  • Using a metronome during practice sessions
  • Taking brief notes after each session
  • Keeping your guitar accessible for quick practice moments
  • Being patient with the physical techniques that make SRV’s style distinctive (especially his string bending and vibrato)

Would you like me to expand on any particular section of this learning plan?

Claude Voodoo Child Learning Plan

Prompt

Create a 4-week learning plan to learn the guitar part of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Voodoo Child with a daily schedule spread over the day for a total of 1 hour a day, list and link resources, check links to make sure they are active and not broken

Plan

I’ll create a 4-week learning plan to master Stevie Ray Vaughan’s version of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” on guitar. Here’s a comprehensive daily practice schedule broken down into manageable segments.

4-Week Guitar Learning Plan: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Voodoo Child”

This plan is designed for intermediate guitarists with some experience in blues playing. You’ll practice 1 hour daily, divided into focused segments throughout the day.

Essential Resources

  1. Official Backing Tracks: Elevated Jam Tracks – Voodoo Child Style
  2. Guitar Tabs: Ultimate Guitar – Voodoo Child SRV Version
  3. Reference Videos:
  4. Technical Tutorials:

Equipment Needed

  • Electric guitar (preferably with single-coil pickups)
  • Overdrive/distortion pedal
  • Wah-wah pedal (optional but recommended)
  • A guitar amp with good dynamics
  • Metronome or metronome app
  • An audio recording device (smartphone is fine)

Week 1: Foundations & Intro

Daily Schedule:

Morning (15 minutes):

  • 5 min: Warm-up with E minor pentatonic scale (key of the song)
  • 10 min: Learn and practice the iconic intro/wah section

Afternoon (20 minutes):

  • 10 min: Work on the main riff that follows the intro
  • 10 min: Practice the first verse’s rhythm guitar part

Evening (25 minutes):

  • 15 min: Begin learning the first solo section
  • 5 min: Record your daily progress
  • 5 min: Listen back and identify areas for improvement

Weekly Focus: Master the intro and main riff with proper tone and feel.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

  • Days 1-2: Focus on the intro wah section and getting the tone right
  • Days 3-5: Add the main riff, work on transitions
  • Days 6-7: Begin adding dynamics and expression, record a complete intro + main riff

Week 2: Verse Sections & First Solo

Daily Schedule:

Morning (15 minutes):

  • 5 min: Warm-up with chromatic exercises for finger strength
  • 10 min: Practice the verse sections with proper dynamics

Afternoon (20 minutes):

  • 15 min: Work on the first solo section
  • 5 min: Practice transitions between sections

Evening (25 minutes):

  • 15 min: Slow-tempo play-along with backing track
  • 10 min: Record and review progress

Weekly Focus: Develop the SRV touch and attack on strings, focus on bending accuracy.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

  • Days 1-3: Master the verse sections and transitions
  • Days 4-5: Deep dive into the first solo section techniques
  • Days 6-7: Connect all learned sections at a moderate tempo

Week 3: Second Solo & Song Structure

Daily Schedule:

Morning (15 minutes):

  • 5 min: Warm-up focusing on string bending and vibrato
  • 10 min: Practice the second solo section

Afternoon (20 minutes):

  • 10 min: Work on the bridge/breakdown section
  • 10 min: Practice SRV’s vibrato and bending techniques

Evening (25 minutes):

  • 15 min: Play through all sections learned so far
  • 10 min: Record and analyze your tone and timing

Weekly Focus: Perfect the SRV vibrato technique and work on speed for solo sections.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

  • Days 1-3: Learn and practice the second solo section
  • Days 4-5: Master the bridge/breakdown section
  • Days 6-7: Connect all sections with proper transitions

Week 4: Final Solo & Full Song Integration

Daily Schedule:

Morning (15 minutes):

  • 5 min: Warm-up with speed exercises
  • 10 min: Practice the final explosive solo section

Afternoon (20 minutes):

  • 15 min: Work on any challenging licks or transitions
  • 5 min: Focus on improvisation in SRV style

Evening (25 minutes):

  • 20 min: Full song play-through with backing track
  • 5 min: Record your complete performance

Weekly Focus: Full song integration, performance quality, and developing your own expression.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

  • Days 1-3: Master the final solo section
  • Days 4-5: Polish any rough spots throughout the song
  • Days 6-7: Multiple full song play-throughs at performance tempo

Technical Focus Areas

  1. SRV’s Picking Technique:
    • Heavy attack with pick held firmly
    • A combination of alternate picking and occasional economy picking
  2. String Bending:
    • Full-step and half-step bends with precise pitch control
    • SRV’s signature wide vibrato on bent notes
  3. Dynamics:
    • Volume swells using guitar volume knob
    • Transition between clean and dirty tones
  4. Wah Pedal Technique:
    • Slow, expressive wah movements in the intro
    • Quick “cocked wah” positions during solos

Progress Tracking

Record yourself at the end of each week, playing as much of the song as you’ve learned. Compare these recordings to track your progress and identify areas that need more work.

Week 1: Intro and main riff Week 2: Intro, main riff, and verse sections Week 3: First half of the song, including solos Week 4: Complete song performance

Final Performance

On the last day of Week 4, record a complete performance of the song with the backing track. Compare this to SRV’s version and your Week 1 recording to see how far you’ve come!

This 4-week plan breaks down learning Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Voodoo Child” into manageable daily practice sessions. Here are the key highlights:

  • Daily Structure: Each day includes 1 hour of practice divided into morning (15 min), afternoon (20 min), and evening (25 min) sessions
  • Progressive Learning: The plan builds methodically from the intro and main riff in Week 1 to full song performance in Week 4
  • Technical Focus: Special attention to SRV’s signature techniques like his aggressive picking style, wide vibrato, and expressive wah pedal use
  • Resources: A collection of backing tracks, tabs, and video tutorials to support your learning
  • Progress Tracking: Weekly recording sessions to monitor improvement

The plan is designed for intermediate guitarists who have some experience with blues techniques. It focuses not just on playing the notes correctly but on capturing SRV’s distinctive tone and feel.

Is there any specific section of the song you’d like me to elaborate on further, or would you like more detail about any particular technique?

Ultralearning Project Template.v1

Introduction to Ultralearning

Core Argument of Ultralearning

  • Traditional education is inefficient and outdated.
  • Traditional education does not effectively or consistently support student agency development or teach self-reliance.
  • Agency is the capacity to make free, independent choices.
  • Self-reliance is important for taking control of our lives through learning.
  • Self-reliance is the act of putting agency into practice by trusting your own judgment and abilities.
  • You cannot be self-reliant without agency.

Rule 1: Meta-learning

  • Meta-learning involves figuring out the what, why, and how of what you’re about to learn.
  • Breaking down and simplifying the learning process is important.
  • Meta-learning is like a syllabus or onboarding process.

Applying Meta-learning

  • Identify two to three core learning objectives.
  • Schedule specific times for learning.
  • Identify courses, resources, or coaching to use.
  • Get a big picture overview of what you need to learn and in what order.
  • Be specific about what to do each day.

Meta-learning Research and Plan Example

Rule 2: Focus Deeply

  • Deep focus is important when learning.
  • Concentrated effort leads to higher quality and more efficient learning.

Building a Deep Work Routine

  • Build a deep work routine to prepare your mind and environment for focusing.
  • Dedicate specific blocks of time to deep work.
  • Eliminate distractions during deep work time.
  • Focus intently on learning during deep work.

Improving Time Efficiency

  • Make your time worth more instead of trying to create more time for learning.
  • Build a habit of focus.

Rule 3: Directedness

  • Directedness means being actively engaged in the process you want to master.
  • Directedness is learning by doing.

Declarative vs. Procedural Learning

  • The declarative path involves learning concepts, facts, and definitions.
  • The procedural path involves learning by doing.
  • Application is needed to round out learning.

Applying Directedness

  • Apply what you learn.
  • Build a project while learning a skill.
  • Projects force you to apply what you’re learning.
  • Directedness helps solidify what you’re learning.

Rule 4: Drill

  • Drill the skills that need the most improvement.
  • Work on all areas to develop mastery, especially the ones you’re bad at.

Interconnectedness of Learning

  • Learning is interconnected, and everything works together.
  • Fixing one problem area can improve all of your learning.

Weakest Link

  • You’re only as good as your weakest link.
  • Spend the most time drilling and improving the area that is the weakest.

Rule 5: Retrieval

  • Retrieval is actively recalling information and skills from memory.
  • Retrieval is important for strengthening long-term memory.

Benefits of Retrieval

  • Retrieval strengthens and cements learning into long-term memory.
  • Retrieval is challenging and requires effort.

Applying Retrieval

  • Teaching is a powerful way to use retrieval.
  • By teaching something, you learn it twice.

Rule 6: Feedback

  • Frequent feedback helps you see what you can’t see yourself.

Types of Feedback

  • The least valuable feedback is ego feedback or praise.
  • The best feedback is constructive and corrective.

Seeking Constructive Criticism

  • Look at comments and analytics.
  • Ask people to critique your content.
  • Send out surveys.
  • Seek constructive, corrective criticism to learn faster.

Rule 7: Retention

  • Retention means regularly practicing with your knowledge and skills to stay sharp.
  • If you don’t use it, you lose it.

Maintaining Skills

  • Set up systems to revisit what you’ve learned.
  • Repackage what you’ve learned into a different use case.
  • Actively seek opportunities to apply and implement the skills you’ve learned.

Rule 8: Intuition

  • Intuition is the gut feeling that comes with experience.
  • Intuition is a sign of deep expertise.

Developing Intuition

  • Immerse yourself in what you learn.
  • Eat, sleep, breathe, and dream about it.
  • Your mindset will change, and you’ll develop a deep intuition.

Rule 9: Experimentation

  • Experimentation means trying new approaches to refine and optimize your process.
  • Experimentation makes learning more fun.
  • Experimentation dramatically improves our learning.

Applying Experimentation

  • Experimentation brings your learning to the cutting edge.
  • Come up with new formats or styles.
  • Uniquely remix your ideas.
  • Maintain high curiosity and interest in what you’re learning.

Session # Year # Production Project TEMPLATE v.6

Session Calendar

Scott’s SMART Goal Resources

Scott’s Advisory Committee Professional Quotient Rubric (Assessed Monthly)

AI Enhanced Student Learning Plan

Scott’s Class Session Resources

Project Tracking Sheet Example (Google Sheets)

Below is the template that students copy and paste into their Edublogs.org blog

SUMMARY – Due Jan. 28

Role

  • Place your ROLE title here…

Intention (SMART Goal) for the Session

  • Copy and paste your SMART Goal from the class PTS, Project Tracking Sheet, here…

PRE-PRODUCTION – INQUIRY – Due Jan. 29

LEADER(S) IN THE FIELD / EXEMPLARY WORK(S)

Primary Source

Embed a video of a good role model for YOUR ROLE this session. This is someone or an example of work that guides or inspires your SMART goal. Copy and paste this source from the PTS, Project Tracking Sheet. EXAMPLES: a director, songwriter, a great game, etc. Write a sentence describing why you chose this source.

Secondary Source

Embed a source explaining the PRIMARY SOURCE. Assume that the reader of your blog has no idea who or what the primary source is. Use the secondary source to explain and justify why the primary source is a good role model for this project. This could be a video essay or interview about the primary source. Write a sentence describing why you chose this source.

TRAINING SOURCE(S)

Embed your training source from YOUR SMART GOAL linked in the PTS, Project Tracking Sheet. Take notes and link back to time stamps within the video. Watch Mr. Le Duc’s Linked Notes Video, if you need help

PRE-PRODUCTION – PLANNING – Due Feb. 7

PROJECT TIMELINE

Pre-production Milestones

  • Thing 1
  • Thing 2
  • Thing 3

Production Milestones

  • Thing 1
  • Thing 2
  • Thing 3

Post-production Milestones

  • Thing 1
  • Thing 2
  • Thing 3

PROPOSED BUDGET

Plan and include a personal budget for this project. Mr. Le Duc’s guidance on the parameters for this session is to see how much it would cost for you to be hired to do ‘your job’ or your role for this session. Add the estimated time you think you will spend on the project, research how much you should be paid by the hour, and include that total cost here.

EVIDENCE OF TEAM PLANNING AND DECISIONS

Place screenshots of the following…

  • Trello Board
  • Storyboard (FILM) (with comments for each role) OR other planning documents like sketches, flowcharts (GAME DESIGN), song or lyric notes (ROCK), etc.

PRODUCTION – ACTION – Due Feb. 27

THE (FILM, SOUND, or GAME)

Embed or link the final version of the film, game, or song from your Google Drive (FILM & ROCK) or itch.io (GAME). Make sure it is publicly viewable.

Write a descriptive sentence about the embedded or linked project above.

SKILLS COMMENTARY

Link the team slideshow with your role, SMART Goal, and evidence of your SMART Goal for this session.

Write a sentence about your role in the slideshow and creative and technical contributions to the project.

POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION – Due Mar. 7

21st CENTURY SKILLS

Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

How did you grow in these areas during this project? Pick one and explain.

Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)

How did you grow in these areas during this project? Pick one and explain.

Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)

How did you grow in these areas during this project? Pick one and explain.

Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)

How did you grow in these areas during this project? Pick one and explain.

REACTIONS TO THE FINAL VERSION

Place at least one comment from the PEER review and cite the student’s first name. Place at least one comment from the ADVISOR review and cite the student’s first name.

SELF-REFLECTION

Pick one of these types of reflection; action points, evaluative, intentional, or retrospective, state which one you picked, and write your reflection here…

GRAMMAR AND SPELLING

Place the name of the grammar and spelling tool you used to create this blog post.

EDITOR

Name the person who reviewed your blog post for grammar and spelling issues. First name only.

DID YOU DELETE ALL OF MR. LE DUC’s INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE? <— DELETE THIS INSTRUCTION, TOO 🙂 !!!