Characteristics of Classes that Foster Deeper Learning

Deeper learning is often found in elective courses, extracurriculars, and other peripheral spaces in schools, rather than academic classes. These spaces offer a different set of underlying assumptions and structures, referred to as the grammar of these spaces. Some key characteristics of these spaces include meaningful choice, opportunities for apprenticeship learning, distributed leadership roles, de-centering of adults as the sole experts, interconnected roles, and a focus on collaboration and producing something important together. These characteristics provide opportunities for identity development, mastery, and the creation of novel work. They challenge the traditional norms of independent, meritocratic, and individualistic learning found in core academic classes.