The field of education is transforming, spurred by technological advancements and a growing understanding of effective learning approaches. Deeper learning — a concept emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration — has become popular in recent years. Educators looking to use deeper learning strategies in their classrooms benefit from the online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) with a concentration in Deeper Learning program offered by Avila University.
Deeper learning aims to develop students’ higher-order thinking skills and prepare them for success in the 21st century. Important target areas for deeper learning include:
- Critical thinking: Examining information, assessing arguments and making thoughtful choices
- Problem-solving: Recognizing and resolving complex issues creatively and successfully
- Creativity: Generating new ideas, innovative solutions and original works
- Collaboration: Working effectively in teams to accomplish shared goals
- Communication: Expressing ideas clearly, both orally and in writing
Designing Lessons for Deeper Learning
Educators must consider several factors when implementing deeper learning. Dr. Catlin Tucker identifies three key areas of consideration when designing lessons:
- Cognitive: This refers to the content knowledge and skills students must gain.
- Interpersonal: This area includes collaborative and communication skills students need to work with others.
- Intrapersonal: This encompasses the development of skills such as reflection, self-directed learning and metacognition.
Deeper learning concerns creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond rote memorization and promote critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration. In fact, the role of feedback in supporting deeper learning should be timely, specific and actionable. It should provide students with clear guidance on how to improve their work and deepen their understanding.
Shifts Necessary for Educators to Support Deeper Learning
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) outlines two significant shifts that educators must make to support deeper learning:
- Emphasize finding the “big ideas” in content rather than strictly covering more content.
- Encourage students to make meaning instead of just listening to teachers “tell” the lesson.
Instead of simply giving information to students, educators should create opportunities for students to construct their own knowledge through inquiry and exploration. Additionally, educators should encourage a collaborative learning environment where students work together to solve problems and develop their skills.
Professional learning groups can support educators by incorporating deeper learning strategies. Collaborating with colleagues allows educators to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences and develop innovative instructional models.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching highlights the value of developing instructional models to foster deeper learning. These models provide educators with a way to design learning experiences that promote critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity.
Graduates of Avila University’s online MAEd C&I – Deeper Learning program have the expertise to use deeper learning strategies in their classrooms. Through courses like Instructional Strategies for Deeper Learning and An Introduction to Deep Learning & Deeper Learning, educators develop the skills to design engaging lessons that promote higher-order thinking.
Learn more about Avila University’s online MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Deeper Learning program.
