Deep Learning Pedagogies : A New Design ?

#sharewhatyoulearn

Last few months have been both challenging and with a series of trial and errors for a lot of teachers, professors, and trainers around the globe. Thanks to internet and various video communication applications such as Zoom and Teams (for a lot of regional organizations trying to keep up with the teaching and learning process amidst major cash crunch and weak technological infrastructure, Whatsapp is also the hero), communication has become accessible (and flexible) to many in this difficult times.

Source: Screenshot from the webinar

Attending a live webinar by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn (hosted by Microsoft), I came came across an interesting approach to tackle the ongoing as well as upcoming problems—deep learning pedagogies! Under this pedagogy, our role of learning designers/educators/facilitators is not limited to merely create and deliver, but to 'activate' meaningful learning experiences that build global competencies using real-life problem solving.

The concept by itself seemed not only powerful, but also a ray of hope for a lot of educators out there trying to figure a way out from the status quo and an 'effective' way in to radical transformation for the greater good of the learners.

Owing to COVID, the (air quotes) so-called normal flow of education got stalled, which I am sure did not dampen the spirit of educators (K12, higher ed, or adult learning alike). It not only has provided more room for innovations such as simulated learning, gamification, flipped classroom, and microlearning, but also the 'opportunity of the century', as Michael Fullan calls it, to bring learning experiences go beyond the current capabilities.

Source: Screenshot from the webinar

Here are two broad thoughts from the session that might help us think about the deeper issues in the system:

“Emotion is the gatekeeper of motivation, cognition, and attention.” – Michael Fullan

1. Self conscious learners will prefer hiding from contributing online. So, during facilitating synchronous or asynchronous online learning, establishing a conducive environment by focusing on their well-being and belonging must be the first job.
2. Engagement is disconnected if there is no purpose to the learning. Building a comprehensive reflection process into the learning plan will keep them attached to the learning agenda, and it will ensure the learners are super active throughout the entire session.

Deep learning is different from the traditional outlook, on a lot of levels. Here are some of the major differences outlined:

Source: Screenshot from the paper

Before you leave, it is worth contemplating over a something that has left me thinking as well:

“Over the past decade, there has been virtually no improvement in the learning outcomes of students in the Western world, even though expenditures on schooling rose by almost 20% during this period”

– Andreas Schleicher, Director of Skills for OECD

So, where is the problem?

The problem lies in the:

a) system

b) mindset

c) learners

d) teachers

e) delivery mechanism

We all might have our own answers to this question here, which brings me to a key takeaway from the webinar discussion—the solutions!

Solution 1: Focusing on the assessing core competencies instead of dumping information.

Solution 2: Integrating study-from-home (elearning) into regular days (a break from routine is good!).

Solution 3: Teachers becoming partners and not a 'guide-by-the-side' alone.

Solution 4: Refraining from micromanagement or overcontrol.

Solution 5: Using technology as social connecting mechanism, not a delivery mechanism alone.

"Evolution needs to be developed more organically." – Michael Fullan

Setting up a process that has the right motivators and substances will create a positive change. We need to embrace deep learning pedagogies for the greater good. Integrating these concepts into elearning and instructional design might also do the trick—you know what I mean. Tsk Tsk! :)

~What are your thoughts about this pedagogy? Do you think there are alternative solutions?~

References:

1. Fullan M, Quinn J. Reimagining education: From remote to hybrid learning | Microsoft EDU [Internet]. Microsoft EDU. 2020 [cited 1 July 2020]. Available from: https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2020/06/reimagining-education-from-remote-to-hybrid-learning/
2. Microsoft Education - Education Reimagined: The Future of Learning | Michael Fullan & Joanne Quinn [Internet]. Youtube.com. 2020 [cited 2 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGYM8DG9WPQ