Author Bernie Trilling asked, "What would it take for more students to benefit from deeper learning?" Trilling was referring to education that pushes beyond the basics, is engaging and challenging, and prepares young people for college and careers.
The Hewlett Foundation says deeper learning prepares students to:
- Master core academic content
- Think critically and solve complex problems
- Work collaboratively
- Communicate effectively, and
· Learn how to learn (e.g., self-directed learning).
That means that students will be researching, writing, problem solving and presenting. That means teachers will be thinking more about work product more than test scores. These practices are common in some classrooms and some schools, but Trilling's question is what combination of advocacy, organizing, capacity building, and investment will result in deeper learning broadly, especially for low income students.
There are 10 strategies that offer state, district, network, and philanthropic leaders some leverage in their efforts to encourage more deeper learning:
