Collaboration is a major focus in Deeper Learning and you can model this skill by bringing together your teacher community to watch, learn, and implement new ideas. The entire series runs approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. You can hold a marathon, screen one of our playlists, or focus on the strategies from one Deeper Learning network. Here are some sample themes for a screening:
TIPS FOR HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL SCREENING
- Invite some friends and colleagues over to watch and “shop” for ideas that work for you. Try them in your classrooms and report back on the ones that had impact on your kids.
- Share the videos with educators at professional development workshops.
- For larger gatherings, choose someone to act as the moderator or presenter and split the discussions into smaller groups.
- Invite Deeper Learning experts (teachers, administrators, etc.) to help facilitate a discussion.
BEFORE VIEWING THE SERIES
1. Watch the series introduction video featuring educator and author Tony Wagner.
2. Define Deeper Learning terms:
Deeper Learning: The foundation of Deeper Learning is mastery of core academic content, whether in traditional subjects such as mathematics, or in interdisciplinary fields which merge several key fields of study. Students are expected to be active participants in their education. Ideally, they are immersed in a challenging curriculum that requires them to seek out and acquire new knowledge, apply what they have learned, and build upon that to create new knowledge.
The Deeper Learning framework includes six competencies that are essential for preparing students to achieve at high levels.
Project-Based Learning: Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students better understand the subjects they’re studying.
Growth Mindset: Students and teachers who have a growth mindset believe that they can develop their abilities through hard work and dedication. This infographic helps explain the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset.
Self-Directed Learning/Learners: These learners take initiative, with or without the assistance of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.
Authentic Assessments: Authentic assessments measure students’ ability to solve real-life problems.
Professional learning communities: These communities center around three major principles: ensuring that students learn, creating a culture of collaboration, and focusing on results. Professional learning communities describe every imaginable combination of individuals with an interest in education — a grade-level teaching team, a school committee, a high school department, an entire school district, a state department of education, a national professional organization, and so on.
3. Go through sample discussion questions listed below, or create your own set of questions.
AFTER VIEWING THE SERIES
1. Have viewers share their immediate reactions, questions, or observations. Write them down for a deeper discussion.
2. You can use the discussion questions next to each video to inspire a group discussion.
3. Close the screening by discussing the elements of Deeper Learning that are already being implemented in your school, and the ones that aren’t, but would make an impact with your students. Talk about what you can try tomorrow and what systemic changes your school or district can make.
SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Next to each video you will find discussion questions that you can talk about. Here are some of the questions:
- What are some of the takeaways the students at these schools are getting?
- What is the role of the teacher in project-based learning?
- What are the skills you think students need for success in the future?
- What teaching strategy made you feel excited about school?
NETWORKS IN THIS SERIES
With each network you can learn more about these strategies:
Asia Society’s International Studies Schools Network: Global Competency, Project-Based Learning
Big Picture Learning: Internships, Authentic Assessments
ConnectEd: Real-World Experiences, Interdisciplinary Projects
EdVisions: Personalized Learning Plans, Student-Teacher Relationships
Envision Education: Performance Assessments, Real-World Projects
Expeditionary Learning: Learning by Doing, Perseverance
High Tech High: Performance-Based Assessment, Real-World Experiences
Internationals Network for Public Schools: Project-Based Learning for English Language Learners
New Tech Network: Project-Based Learning, Building Strong Relationships
New Visions for Public Schools: Professional Development, Coaching