Deeper Learning is more than just memorizing facts; it’s a transformative approach to education that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. It combines a robust understanding of core academic content with the ability to apply that knowledge to new and complex situations. Furthermore, deeper learning fosters the development of essential competencies such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and self-direction. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, a leading advocate for deeper learning, defines it as the mastery of competencies that enable students to deeply understand academic subjects and utilize their knowledge effectively, both in academic settings and future careers.
The groundbreaking study, The Study of Deeper Learning: Opportunities and Outcomes, delves into how educational institutions are providing students with deeper learning experiences and the subsequent impact on student achievement. This research posits that engaging students in deeper learning activities cultivates three core categories of deeper learning competencies:
- Cognitive: Encompassing mastery of fundamental content and advanced critical thinking capabilities.
- Interpersonal: Including effective collaboration and communication skills crucial for teamwork and interaction.
- Intrapersonal: Focusing on learning-how-to-learn strategies and fostering positive academic mindsets that promote self-regulated learning.
The development of these competencies through deeper learning opportunities is theorized to significantly improve various student outcomes. These include enhanced academic performance, increased high school graduation rates, greater college enrollment and completion, and improved long-term success in the workforce and active civic participation.
Further insights into the experiences of the first four cohorts of the AERA-Deeper Learning Fellows can be found in this comprehensive report. More information about the prestigious Fellowship Program is also available.
Examining Deeper Learning in Practice: Network vs. Non-Network Schools
Funded by the Hewlett Foundation, The Study of Deeper Learning meticulously examines twenty high schools recognized for their commitment to deeper learning skills, termed “network schools.” These schools are carefully compared against a matched sample of “non-network” schools to identify the unique characteristics and outcomes associated with deeper learning environments. All network schools were affiliated with established deeper learning networks and demonstrated a well-developed and implemented approach to fostering deeper learning principles.
Researchers at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) have published a series of insightful reports that compare various aspects of network and non-network schools. These publications analyze school strategies, organizational cultures, the depth of deeper learning opportunities provided to students, and ultimately, the resulting student outcomes. The research team has also conducted exploratory analyses to understand the complex relationships between deeper learning opportunities, the development of deeper learning competencies in students, and crucial milestones like on-time high school graduation. Furthermore, dedicated equity briefs investigate the equitable distribution of deeper learning opportunities across different student populations within both network and non-network schools. These briefs also assess whether the positive correlation between deeper learning opportunities and interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies holds true for all students, regardless of their background.
Long-Term Impact of Deeper Learning: Civic Engagement and Career Success
Building upon the initial findings, AIR launched a follow-up study in 2018 to assess the enduring impact of deeper learning on students’ lives beyond high school. This study specifically investigates civic engagement, college experiences, and early career outcomes six years post-graduation. As part of this extended research, AIR convened a meeting bringing together researchers and representatives from districts, states, and regional organizations. This collaborative forum facilitated discussions and problem-solving focused on developing comprehensive data systems at the state and district levels. The goal was to incorporate longer-term outcomes into these systems, providing a more holistic understanding of educational impact. The resulting white paper, Following Students After Graduation: Best Practices for Tracking Postsecondary and Workforce Outcomes, presents key features of existing data systems, articulates the rationale for longitudinal data collection, proposes effective strategies for data system development, and suggests actionable steps to advance this critical work.
Key Research Publications: Briefs and Reports
This section provides a categorized overview of key publications from The Study of Deeper Learning, offering direct links to access the full reports and briefs in PDF format.
Does Deeper Learning Improve Longer Term Outcomes for Students?
Brief, June 2022 (PDF) This brief summarizes findings from the extended study, examining the long-term effects of attending deeper learning network high schools on postsecondary education, civic participation, and career paths, five years after the initial study.
The Study of Deeper Learning: College Enrollment, Persistence, and Degree Completion in the First 6 Years After High School
Report #7, June 2022 (PDF) Report #7 focuses on the sustained impact of deeper learning network high schools on college-related outcomes, including enrollment, persistence, and degree completion within six years of high school. Technical appendix (PDF)
Deeper Learning and Civic Engagement and Workforce Outcomes
Report #6, May 2021 (PDF) Report #6 investigates the longer-term influence of deeper learning network high schools on students’ civic engagement and workforce success, utilizing follow-up surveys and interviews. Technical appendix (PDF)
Equitable Opportunities for Deeper Learning: Exploring Differences Between Traditional and Network Schools
Equity brief, June 2020 (PDF) This equity brief analyzes whether students in deeper learning network schools perceive more equitable learning opportunities compared to students in traditional non-network schools, focusing on within-school variations and disparities among student subgroups.
Equitable Access to the Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Benefits of Deeper Learning
Equity brief, June 2020 (PDF) This brief examines whether the positive effects of deeper learning opportunities on interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies are consistent across diverse student populations, including gender and language background.
*Does Deeper Learning Improve Student Outcomes? Results from the Study of Deeper Learning (PDF) provides a comprehensive summary of the study’s key findings up to August 2016.**
School Features and Student Opportunities for Deeper Learning: What Makes a Difference?
Report #5, October 2016 (PDF) Report #5 explores the school-level factors, such as teacher beliefs, professional culture, and principal leadership, that contribute to the successful implementation of deeper learning opportunities within schools.
Deeper Learning and High School Graduation: Is There a Relationship?
Report #4, August 2016 (PDF) Report #4 investigates the correlation between deeper learning opportunities, deeper learning competencies, and high school graduation rates, revealing a positive association but with variations across different study locations.
Evidence of Deeper Learning Outcomes
Report #3, September 2014 (PDF) Report #3 assesses the educational outcomes of students in network schools compared to their non-network counterparts, examining the impact of network school attendance on student success and differential benefits for specific student subgroups. Technical appendix (PDF)
Updated Findings Based on this Report:
Providing Opportunities for Deeper Learning
Report #2, September 2014 (PDF) Report #2 focuses on the extent to which network schools offer greater opportunities for students to engage in deeper learning in the classroom compared to non-network schools. Technical appendix (PDF)
The Shape of Deeper Learning: Strategies, Structures, and Cultures in Deeper Learning Network High Schools
Report #1, September 2014 (PDF) Report #1 provides a descriptive analysis of the common strategies, organizational structures, and school cultures found in deeper learning network high schools, highlighting their differences from non-network schools. Technical appendix (PDF)
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