Profound Learning
Elevating students to reach new heights
Empowerment through autonomy
Profound Learning is an empowerment model of learning that elevates student learning to heights not achievable using the traditional ‘command and control’ industrial age model of education. Allowing students to take control of and responsibility for their own learning has proven to increase motivation and the effectiveness of learning. Along with high academic excellence, the Profound Learning model prepares students for their future with a focus on innovation and creativity.
Challenging
Orthodoxy
Innovation is fueled by the ability to challenge orthodoxy or dogma of the system. The factory model of education is established on the following two axioms: the time to learn is fixed and the quality of learning is variable. These axioms have gone unchallenged for decades, which have led educators to believe that student performance in the system is primarily a reflection of their ability to learn and not a by-product of the system itself. The Profound Learning model challenges the orthodoxy of education. In order to create a system where the time to learn is personalized and the quality of learning is tight, new systems were invented through which learning is managed.
The Layers of Profound Learning
The Profound Learning model does what traditional education does not. Students attain high academic achievement, as well as become equipped with a powerful sense of self-purpose and the skills to make a difference in their world. There are four layers central to this model of learning.
Ownership
The foundational layer of Ownership is achieved by providing students with tools and processes, such as Learning Maps, that give them the ability to track their own learning. Putting the responsibility for learning in the hands of students requires shifting one’s thinking about teaching and learning.
What does ownership look like?
☑ Student perspective and opinion is recognized.
☑ Student feedback is gathered and interpreted.
☑ Students are given choice.
☑ Students track their learning and set goals.
☑ Students are given leadership opportunities.
☑ Students are managing their own projects.
☑ Students are given the responsibility.
Mastery
The second layer is Mastery, where the vast majority of students attain a high level of academic success. Mastery is achieved by students identifying and closing gaps in their learning through self-assessment. In addition, students engage in brain-compatible learning experiences based on the latest research in neuro, cognitive, and behavioural sciences. At By Design Learning, we have developed an inquiry, project-based learning process called Learning Adventures. Learning Adventures integrate the essential elements of Profound Learning with a high level of academic rigour and relevance.
What does mastery look like?
☑ Learning is customized (environment, passion/interest, ability levels)
☑ Instruction is differentiated (amount/type).
☑ Quality is fixed.
☑ Time to learn is personalized.
☑ Success for all is the goal.
☑ Learning gaps are closed.
Innovation
The third layer is Innovation, where students experience the process of Becoming Imaginal. The imaginal term comes from biology: it is the imaginal cells within the caterpillar that transform it into a butterfly. Becoming Imaginal is a metaphor to describe the ability of our students to see, design, and create the future. Who the student is becoming is as important to their future as their academic achievement.
What does innovation look like?
☑ Uniqueness is encouraged
☑ Use of creative processes or tools.
☑ Pursuing personal passion and vision.
☑ Thinking beyond improvement to transformation/design.
☑ Creating that which has never been done before.
☑ Learning gaps are closed.
☑ Becoming Imaginal.
Future Ready
The icing on the cake and between all the layers is the purposeful development of Future Ready skills within students. These are the skills that students need to thrive in their future.
What does future ready look like?
☑ Personal development with a growth mind set, skills and habits.
☑ Finding your Big Why through the 5 Keys of Becoming Imaginal.
☑ Developing character through the 7 Habits of the Master Learner
Profound Learning Elements
The mission of By Design Learning Centre is to prepare students to be Future Ready by laying a foundation of academic excellence alongside students becoming Master Learners.
Culture of Trust
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Trust (reducing fear)
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Restitution (relationship)
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Collaboration vs. competition
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Growth mindset
Closing Gaps
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Setting goals to close gaps
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Differentiation in amount and type of instruction
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Clustering for mastery
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Time to learn is flexible
Formative Assessment
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Frequent “check ups” before summative assessment
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Ongoing and meaningful data collection
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Identifying gaps in learning
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Teacher and peer feedback
Collaboration
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Positive interdependence
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Mentorship
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Teacher and student learning from one another
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Group genius
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Individual success linked to group success
Shifting Roles
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Role of the teacher (context, conditions, connections)
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Role of the student (ownership, empowerment and mastery of learning)
Brain Based Learning
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Role of the teacher (context, conditions, connections)
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Role of the student (ownership, empowerment and mastery of learning)
Personalized Learning
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Pacing of learning
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Learning preferences
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Offering choice (environment, delivery of learning, final product)
Future Ready
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Innovation
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Core competencies
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Habits of the learner
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Developing character
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21st century skills
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Imaginal capacities
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Graduate profile
Activating the Brain Through Meaning
Learning only happens when the biology of the brain is activated and altered. In other words if there is no biological change in the brain then there is no learning.