Does the following checklist look, or sound, familiar to you?
Pedagogical focus for the following school year is agreed upon
Professional Development dates are confirmed on the calendar
The amazing workshop leader or consultant is booked
Teachers implement what they learned on the PD day(s) in their classrooms to enhance student learning
How often do you check ALL of the boxes? Which box is typically the most important? Which box is the one typically left unchecked? Why? And more importantly, how can we improve in this area?
My guess is that most of us, if not all of us, agree that the final box for the questions above proves to be the most challenging. But why? The bottom line is that without the chance to continue learning about the topic and actively using the tools/strategies delivered during the PD sessions, people simply revert back to what they have in the existing toolbox because they haven’t truly experienced deep learning of the content presented. So, how can we provide for deep learning which turn fosters a deeper level of implementation within the different areas of our respective organizations?
Understanding the Divide: Deep Learning vs Superficial Learning
Recent research underscores the profound impact of deep learning compared to superficial learning. Deep learning involves the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and long-term retention. According to the National Academy of Sciences (2018): Deep learning is a "process through which an individual becomes capable of taking what was learned in one situation and applying it to a new situation.", whereas superficial learning emphasizes rote memorization and surface-level understanding, often resulting in short-lived knowledge retention and limited application of learned concepts.”
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) goes a bit further to contend that deep learning occurs when learners (or learning leaders in this case) come to understand and make sense of important ideas and processes—and are able to transfer those understandings to new content and contexts. This, in all likelihood cannot be transmitted by simply telling them or showing some slides during a 1-day workshop or even a spaced out multi-day workshop. The ASCD goes on to highlight that “the phrases ‘coming to understand’ and ‘making sense of’ suggest that deep learning occurs over time and requires active meaning making by the learner.
The Challenges We Face
Why does superficial learning persist in educational environments, especially for teacher PD? Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
Time constraints: Educational leaders are mindful that teachers have limited time and therefore try to get the most “bang for the buck” on those PD days, possibly prioritizing breadth of content coverage over deeper understanding and implementation challenges.
Collaboration Methods: For many schools collaboration means meetings, a word, and experience, that many educators feel encroach on their already minimal time.
Resource Limitations: Access to tools and methodologies that facilitate deep learning can be limited, hindering educators' ability to continue learning on, or about, the topic presented during those PD days. The expert, or someone close to the expert, is not typically within reach leaving teachers on their own to try to learn more and/or implement.
Bridging the Gap: Tools for Fostering Deep Learning
Addressing these challenges requires intentional interventions and the adoption of tools that empower educators to cultivate deep learning experiences and get past the challenges outlined above. Some key characteristics include:
Interactive Learning Platforms: Utilize engaging digital platforms that encourage collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking among learners in an asynchronous learning environment. This allows educators the agency to prioritize their time, but still within a community of learners that can continue to grow together.
Data-Driven Insights Focused on Application (not simply ‘right/wrong’ answers): Leverage analytics to identify areas where learners struggle to grasp concepts deeply, enabling personalized interventions or future tasks/projects that can enhance deeper understanding in those identified areas.
Empowering Educators for Lasting Impact
By leveraging the tools and methodologies provided by Huddle Up Learning, educational leaders can spearhead a transformative shift towards deep learning:
Empowering Educators: Equip teacher-learners with the tools needed to facilitate deep learning experiences, fostering a culture of innovation, inquiry, and collaboration where learning and application can live days, weeks, and months after the PD day(s).
Enhancing Student Engagement: Engage teacher-learners in meaningful learning experiences that eventually lead to confident implementation that promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking without the need for meetings and/or taking up too much time.
Driving Long-Term Retention: Promote knowledge retention and application that permeates throughout the school culture and extends into each educator’s respective classrooms.
The pursuit of deep learning is not merely an aspiration but a necessity in today's educational landscape.
By acknowledging the distinction between deep learning and superficial learning, identifying the challenges hindering deep learning adoption, and embracing innovative tools such as those offered by www.huddleuplearning.com, educational leaders can pave the way for transformative educational experiences. To learn more or to schedule a demo contact us at info@huddleuplearning.com.
This is part one of four-part series exploring how teams and organizations can build Communities of Shared Practice to foster a deeper culture of learning.
Vic Caban has been an educational leader at various schools and in various roles for over 20 years. His focus on building culture through shared experiences and existing human capital has been the focus throughout his career. His experiences in different countries including Egypt, China, Costa Rica, Switzerland and the USA provide him with a broad perspective to help you level-up your learning community. Vic is the Director of Engagement & Outreach at Huddle Up Learning.
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