Direction of Depth

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about the direction of depth.  In other words, does a learning experience in an advanced classroom or an extension for a gifted learner always have to go in a specific direction.  I think that we often think about extending "up" or "out".  But, the reality is that a learning experience, concept, or standard can be extended in many directions.  

Let me explain. The image below is a model I've created for educators to use as they design learning experiences for learners that are ready to go "beyond" the surface.  

These four directions give us more variety and autonomy in the way we design and provide extended learning for those that are ready for what's next.  

Often, educators utilize the Depth and Complexity Icons or different specific strategies to give learners the opportunity to reach a deeper understanding.  However, we aren't often thinking about the outcome of using that icon, tool, or strategy. This framework gives us an opportunity to consider the why, the outcome, what is going to happen because the learner completed the extension or learning experience?

Were they given the opportunity to EXPLORE in order to ask questions and learn new things?

Were they given the opportunity to EXPAND their knowledge by moving ahead or at a faster pace?

Were they given the opportunity to EXAMINE to look closely at the content and utilize their critical thinking skills?

Were they given the opportunity to EVOLVE or make connections to prior knowledge?

These are all important and I don't think we consider all of these when we are thinking about extending the learning for our gifted and advanced learners.

I've created this framework to provide a more meaningful way for educators to consider how we serve gifted and advanced learners in the classroom. My hope is that educators and administrators will use it to become more creative and intentional in the way we serve those that need to go beyond in the classroom.

I recently had an administrator ask me to create a way for educators to utilize this with Bloom's to ensure that the extensions they are designing in the on-level classroom is truly an opportunity for learners to think at a higher level.

This is an example of what I think that might look like:

I've also worked recently with a district that is utilizing the Depth and Complexity Icons.  I introduced the Direction of Depth tool to help educators focus on the outcome of using the icons (the why).  The hope is that this will prevent it seeming like if the icon is on the board, learning is happening.  We have to be more intentional than that and my hope is that this framework will provide that intentionality.  

My plan is continue to work on this framework and share it as part of the Designing for Depth work that I provide for campuses and districts that are working to grow in this area.  My work moving forward will be training educators, administrators, and those that work with gifted or advanced learners how this can be utilized to make differentiation more manageable and meaningful. 

If you'd like to know more or would like to provide the Designing for Depth training for your campus or district, please feel free to email me at [email protected].