The concept of deeper learning has been steadily gaining momentum worldwide and was recently the focus of discussion at the Deeper Learning UK Conference 2023, which I was fortunate enough to attend. Nobody, of course, would advocate for an education system predicated on shallow learning.
So why is deeper learning becoming such a phenomenon? Its strength lies in its ability to alert us to the shortcomings of existing approaches to learning, most of which merely scratch the surface of what young people need to thrive in a complex world.
At its core, deeper learning is about developing curiosity, creativity, resilience and the ability to collaborate, alongside knowledge and understanding. It transcends the confines of the classroom. It invites students to see the relevance of education to their lives, interests, and aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.
Just as a healthy five-a-day diet nourishes the body, deeper learning helps nourish students’ minds. And while, like any signature dish, its ingredients can be varied, these five core ingredients remain key.
