What does the phrase "practice makes perfect" imply in an educational context?

The phrase "practice makes perfect" in an educational context implies that only effective practice leads to improvement. This means that merely repeating a task or skill without a clear understanding or structured approach may not yield significant progress. Effective practice involves targeted, purposeful efforts that take into account feedback and strategies to enhance learning.

In order for practice to be beneficial, it must be based on identified goals, instructional strategies, and an understanding of the specific needs of the learner. This ensures that students are not just repeating the same actions, but are engaged in meaningful activities that promote mastery and deeper understanding of the material. As a result, students develop skills that not only improve their performance but also enable them to retain knowledge and apply it in various contexts.