4 - Designing Deeper Learning Episodes

Summary

We have coined the term deeper learning episode (DLE) to emphasise the idea that PTDL’s overriding objective is to offer opportunities for deeper learning through a focus on subject-specific literacies. Also, we felt the need to introduce a new term that is not limited to specific timetabled lessons. A DLE extends over a series of lessons, depending not only on the intentions, purposes and outcomes of learning but, more importantly, on whether or not those intentions, purposes and outcomes translate into deeper learning. A DLE organically flows into the next one when learners can demonstrate deep understanding of the specific content or sufficient mastery of the targeted skills. Otherwise, it is time for us teachers to go back to the drawing board to design and offer more opportunities for learners to understand and practise. Each DLE consists of a number of interconnected phases where teachers and learners jointly engage in complimentary activities to incite and sustain deeper learning processes (see Figure 4.1).