Good morning #HackLearning ... back home in Tampa, FL ... Sylvia, Writing Coach @BrandonHSEagles & moderator of #HackLearning slow chat ... where we learn, reflect, apply, & grow together has educators! 💕
Kathy, elementary educator, huge advocate for science in elementary classrooms where #ngss provides great opportunities for depth vs breadth #hacklearning
Morning, #hacklearning. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in Colorado. Today's depth vs. breadth topic is tickling my false-dichotomy detector.
A1: inch deep provides opportunities for Ss to discover their passions on a variety of subjects, but also limits opportunity to become “experts” and have that passion light up like a flame #hacklearning
A1: Pro - you get the topic talked about and hopefully others add content/ideas to go deeper. Con - may stay on the surface and never get to the impactful discussions or ideas to change practice #hacklearning
A1 Pros of in-depth learning – learning becomes meaningful & real – as opposed to memorization, Ss are engaged, learning sticks, focus on skills rather than content. Cons – lack of time. I don’t see any pros to mile wide learning. #HackLearning
A1: Depth allows students to grapple with a topic and apply understanding in new ways. Breadth exposes students to many topics increasing the likelihood a topic resonates with a student. #HackLearning
A1 Deep allows for analysis & rich discourse of text ... wide allows for vast coverage of much info ... balance of both seems to be what is best - knowing what should be deep vs what should be wide is wisdom #HackLearning
A1: I think it's important to have a general understanding of many things. Depth, then, develops higher level thinking skills & expertise. Both are needed - no time to go deep with everything! #HackLearning
A1 Breadth pro = chances to cultivate wide experience; breadth con = little time to linger when piqued or explore tangents. Depth pro = food for one's inner nerd; depth con = potential to get mired in one's comfort zone #hacklearning
One issue with depth vs. breadth is that if we take the wide approach, students don't really have a deep understanding. Therefore, the ability to transfer it to other situations is limited or lost. #HackLearning
A1 Depth offers the opportunity for engagement and deep conceptual learning #hacklearning A con is potentially missed opportunities for learning because of time constraints
The hope is an S will “go deep” on their own. However, even as you cover multiple subjects, they are generally through the Ts paradigm which limits the opportunities for passion to ignite #hacklearning
A1 I don’t see much of an advantage to an inch deep in watering plants or teaching kids. Neither gets down to roots where it’s necessary for the plant or the learning to be strong and take hold. #HackLearning
A1. With both, you have to make sure the content is valuable to the learner. If they already know it, why continue to dig deeper?
However, if the content is new this allows for learners to get a concrete learning experience. #HackLearning
One benefit with beginning with a wide lens is that you never know what interests you can spark. Sometimes a brief exposure to something motivates student interest to learn much more. #HackLearning
So true. When I was a student, we covered soooo much. I was a great memorizer - for the test. A week later, I couldn't remember anything. #HackLearning
A1- Mile deep- students understand their knowledge better. Its not just a google search knowledge. They are able to explain the learning in their own words and become producers rather than consumers.
Inch Deep- Many ts do this because of time.
#HackLearning
A1: I ❤️ providing opportunities for students to study in-depth their passion. There is no better way for me to make that possible than through the #GlobalGoals. And the only con I can think of is that I can’t magnify their efforts enough because of my own limits. #HackLearning
This discussion is similar to the “quarters vs semesters” discussion on college campuses. Momentum is moving away from quarters so Ss can dig more into topics #hacklearning
A1 Breadth pro = chances to cultivate wide experience; breadth con = little time to linger when piqued or explore tangents. Depth pro = food for one's inner nerd; depth con = potential to get mired in one's comfort zone #hacklearning
I think we often lament the fact that we can't go as deep as we want because of time & curriculum constraints. It's good to remember there are pros & cons to both. #HackLearning
Education has suffered because we have too readily embraced “mile wide, inch deep”; instead we should be going “mile deep, inch wide”! Our kids & educators deserve to experience learning at a deep level & not just bounce from initiative to initiative! #HackLearning
Technology shouldn't be an event. It should be WEAVED into the fabric of the classroom. Digital tools should be an ORGANIC part of each lesson and students must be given opportunities to CHOOSE the tool that best fits the learning task.
#HackLearning#sunchat
A1 imho when kids go deep they have an opportunity to experience the full range of experiences and competency development to equip them to pursue curiosities and interests not just formally but informally #HackLearning
A2: mile wide ensures exposure to more content but time does not allow for deep understanding/application of it all; deeper learning ensures better understanding but the amt of content t’s are expected to teach makes it difficult #HackLearning
I think you articulated what I was thinking, especially with the rich analysis of info. We have to dig deep into content to truly understand. Although there are clear benefits of hitting a large number of topics. #balanceLAP#hacklearning
A1. With both, you have to make sure the content is valuable to the learner. If they already know it, why continue to dig deeper?
However, if the content is new this allows for learners to get a concrete learning experience. #HackLearning
A1. #HackLearning. Challenging question. As an elemED teacher, do I need my Ss to go deep on *every* topic? Isn't it important to give them exposure (breadth) of experience to open their minds and spark imaginations?
A1 I don’t see much of an advantage to an inch deep in watering plants or teaching kids. Neither gets down to roots where it’s necessary for the plant or the learning to be strong and take hold. #HackLearning
I would also insert the teacher's depth of knowledge as a hinderance or a plus ... many teachers don't have a complete understanding of the content they are teaching ... if they don't know it, how can they take kids on deep dive? #HackLearning
This is true. But I think with in-depth learning we can give mile-wide choices & allow Ss to explore their interests. But simply covering material without time to go deep, doesn't convince me #HackLearning
In #HackingLeadership we write about eradicating the deficit mindset that plagues our profession; well, I would argue that “mile wide, inch deep” contributes tremendously to the deficit mindset! #HackLearning
A2: Keep it simple w/ the A to B:4 to 6 balancing strategy. The teacher is clear w/ moving from point A to B in the content(Breadth); 📸Capture-Curate-Share 4 to 6 #DeeperLearning Ss practices in action (Depth) #HackLearning
A1 When I hear that my mind goes to achievement gaps . I think because I have Special Needs students I tend to think of gaps. Which is farther? I'm thinking it's easier to fill the inch deep gap 🤔
A2: Finding ways to tie the content into bigger chunks. Instead of teaching one standard at a time, a lot of times we can create lessons that will allow the students to become familiar with multiple standards in a unit. #HackLearning
That’s so true but we also know from neuro research that kids transfer little into their multiple memory systems from exposure based learning - it fades fast. #hacklearning
So true. When I was a student, we covered soooo much. I was a great memorizer - for the test. A week later, I couldn't remember anything. #HackLearning
We work with trimesters in our school giving 12 weeks rather than 9 weeks to cover material. But still....in education, we always lack time! #HackLearning
Agreed. IMO, a Ts willingness to let Ss passions sometimes dictate veering off agendas could help. With the repository of knowledge in most classrooms, this is where Ts and Ss could make something magical #hacklearning
What a challenging question. This will give us a lot to consider today and moving forward this week in the #HackLearning slow chat, moderated by the amazing @SylviaEllison
A1 Depth allows for exploration of a topic that leads to deeper understanding. Width is needed to take those small pieces to apply to the deeper exploration/experimentations with the topic. Maybe leads to finding a passion. #HackLearning
A2: Realistically, we can't go deep in everything. I'm a fan of student choice in exploring topics they feel particularly passionate about, and working on skills (critical thinking, analyzing, learning, etc) that are transferable. #HackLearning
A1. #HackLearning. Challenging question. As an elemED teacher, do I need my Ss to go deep on *every* topic? Isn't it important to give them exposure (breadth) of experience to open their minds and spark imaginations?
A1: How much we get covered in a year is one thing, but did we cover it well? Getting everything covered is great if our students are able to actively articulate and demonstrate the standards being taught, but it’s not enough to just hit all of the standards.
A1) with a mile wide you get a ton of information thrown at you...but only basics (think MS history). With mile deep, you narrow focus and miss out on wider things BUT you get to know every facet of the topic (think coll. History) #HackLearning
A2 We have to think about what topics transfer to other content areas, how we can employ previous learning to strengthen connections and accept that we, alone, can't teach every little thing. Teaching is a team effort #HackLearning
Depth and breadth is about scope and sequence. The decision to offer a broad view vs. deep understanding is part of a viable curriculum. If we cross our fingers that June doesn't get here too soon... we will certainly run out of time without a plan. #HackLearning
Interesting question. Can you give your Ss opportunities to read, explore and then share out on topics of their own choosing while still digging deep to give them the joy that comes with depth of understanding? #HackLearning
Thanks for the reminder of the importance of relevance. What will your kids “carry” from your class besides a grade? I want mine to take their voice, influence, and knowledge to create change! #hacklearning#globaled#GlobalGoals
So true. When I was a student, we covered soooo much. I was a great memorizer - for the test. A week later, I couldn't remember anything. #HackLearning
A2 Often there is a lot of standards/expectations that are connected and work together. Design your learning intentionally to combine standards #HackLearning
And if we don't give them time to dig into their interests at school, many of them won't do it on their own. I think it's the in-depth search that helps us uncover our passions. #HackLearning
A2 as tchrs, we need to purposefully plan units of lessons that connect to an assessment that truly measures learning ... purposefully planning gives us time to decide if the lesson needs to expose or needs to dig deep based on Sts needs / standards / rich text #HackLearning
A2: I also think being strategic in our planning and lesson delivery will increase learning time #hacklearning - Strategies to become an effective teacher https://t.co/yY7QmqPfnO
As I am plowing through 400 years of history i focus more on how kids should be thinking and analyzing vs minute details of a historical event ... understanding how to view a moment in history from multiple perspectives. #hacklearning
One benefit with beginning with a wide lens is that you never know what interests you can spark. Sometimes a brief exposure to something motivates student interest to learn much more. #HackLearning
In some convos with Ts, I’m finding there is definitely coverage but students are not gaining deep understanding which they can apply in class or on standardized tests. The students can answer the questions in class but can’t make connections. #hacklearning
A2) prioritize by concepts that can be cross curricular or are the basis for future instruction rather than random points that may help you answer one question on the state test but you won’t even need to remember in the next year #HackLearning
#hacklearning let students' interest drive them deeper into content after you go deep into skills. Example: teach them how to analyze deeply. Expose them widely to content. Let them dive in to what grabs their attention. #HackLearning
#hacklearning A1: Yes. Very challenging. I agree exposure of experience is key. Also at the middle/high school level this could lead to passion projects and at any level personalizing learning for students open the door for in depth learning.
That's still deep understanding. Not necessarily deep learning about WWI. It's just not around facts. Deep understanding with analyzing, perspective.
That's a transferable skill. #HackLearning
As I am plowing through 400 years of history i focus more on how kids should be thinking and analyzing vs minute details of a historical event ... understanding how to view a moment in history from multiple perspectives. #hacklearning
Exactly. This pro-depth teacher is trying to understand pro-breadth perceptions. I feel like the “system” wants me to focus on breadth when I’d much rather focus on depth. #hacklearning
A2 We have to think about what topics transfer to other content areas, how we can employ previous learning to strengthen connections and accept that we, alone, can't teach every little thing. Teaching is a team effort #HackLearning
Too much to teach & not enough time is a problem that always impacts our educators; much like a skilled gardener, we need to learn what we can weed out of our daily instruction! We can’t just keep adding so we must let go of unnecessary or ineffective practices! #HackLearning
A2: Constant activities/experiences that bring Ss back to content! Stations/centers/discussions/?s and experiences that cause Ss to think about content outside of the school setting! Get them so engaged that they are continuing to work well beyond the school day! #HackLearning
had a friend sci educator say in 1985 “if kids leave my class with a deep love of science and they understand it conceptually, then I’ve taught them well. The horror of kitchen sink standards is inch deep test prep curricula” #HackLearning
This is where student choice becomes so important! By offering students opportunities to decide what they want to pursue more deeply we can balance curricular timelines & student autonomy. #HackLearning
A1: This is very similar to my thoughts, articulated much better! #HackLearning Cross curriculums when able to, and for lower ed, take learning outside!
A2 We have to think about what topics transfer to other content areas, how we can employ previous learning to strengthen connections and accept that we, alone, can't teach every little thing. Teaching is a team effort #HackLearning
I think this is important. We need to focus on our goals; as educators, what is it we want to get out of the classroom? Do our goals match the districts? Parents? Students? That will help answer the question! #hacklearning
A2: Combining topics that fit a certain pattern or theme can help address depth/breadth. Adding in Ss choice will also allow Ss to have breadth on some topics, depth on others. #HackLearning
Year in half later and you wont meet with #Mueller , But you and every person you know including you're kids will meet with #Russians . Make America Great again with lying to our Country and making deals with our enemies!
This talk about depth vs breadth begs the question - how are we assessing kids? Most assessments still focus on breadth, in my experience. #HackLearning
I do think it's a balance. Look at K-12 education as thirteen years, not 180 days. Some ideas can be exposure with breadth because we are laying foundation for depth in another grade. #HackLearning
Exactly. This pro-depth teacher is trying to understand pro-breadth perceptions. I feel like the “system” wants me to focus on breadth when I’d much rather focus on depth. #hacklearning
History is about learning the art of reflection ... love that your focus is on thinking & learning as opposed to memorization of minute details 💜 #HackLearning
As I am plowing through 400 years of history i focus more on how kids should be thinking and analyzing vs minute details of a historical event ... understanding how to view a moment in history from multiple perspectives. #hacklearning
If we bundle standards and integrate as much as possible keeping the integrity of all disciplines addressed then we are using time more productive and moving to more balance #hacklearning
A2 Connect standards across subjects via projects/problems. Combine standards into strands for assessment. Back up and consider, “What of all of this will change kids lives?” And keep our eyes focused on that. #HackLearning
We are trying to figure about different strategies to improve the critical thinking skills to apply the knowledge they have. Higher level thinking stuff. These teachers are caring, hard working, and have students best interest in mind. #HackLearning
This talk about depth vs breadth begs the question - how are we assessing kids? Most assessments still focus on breadth, in my experience. #HackLearning
That, indeed, is the goal. Independent choice -> depth while instructional introduction ->breadth.
How do to pull that off in a class of 20 "independent studies" demands a ton of pre-planning, carefully honed expectations, and a concise rubric. That's a lot. #hacklearning
A3: One way to know if students have grasped a deep understanding of content is to see if they can teach it or explain it clearly. Analogies work great here. #HackLearning
So true. When I was a student, we covered soooo much. I was a great memorizer - for the test. A week later, I couldn't remember anything. #HackLearning
The pro-breadth sees opportunities to discover something they personally are excited about. I have kids who can tell me intricate details of Star Wars; they didn’t learn this in a classroom. Not saying it’s right; just the why #hacklearning
#HackLearning Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Wide and Deep are both valuable. I don't know that I want to go deeper if I've never even splashed around in the pool. #HackLearning#40FPLN
"COVERAGE" That word in teaching just gets my blood boiling. Almost always - the teacher "covers" and the kids' brains wander. Then we wonder why it didn't stick. (Sorry - end of rant) #HackLearning
In some convos with Ts, I’m finding there is definitely coverage but students are not gaining deep understanding which they can apply in class or on standardized tests. The students can answer the questions in class but can’t make connections. #hacklearning
A2: One of the greatest assets a community has is its teachers. Provide the pathways for them to connect and strengthen one another. Empower teachers, and you empower students! how CoPs can impact your professional learning: https://t.co/IUcA9AYaOj! #HackLearning@participate
I think we often lament the fact that we can't go as deep as we want because of time & curriculum constraints. It's good to remember there are pros & cons to both. #HackLearning
Self interest is the best teacher.
Sometimes we need to allow time to kids to see what really fascinates them to get the best out of them. #HackLearning
A2 reduce urge to test all that gets taught - focus on power standards and essential questions - work on interdisciplinary or better yet transdisciplinar connections -cogeneration and teach w a peer - cut extraneous and encourage the deep learning #HackLearning
We know when deep learning has occurred when students can make connections that are beyond the surface level. Understand from multiple perspectives. Then the next step is to transfer that to unfamiliar situations. #HackLearning
The thing I’m thinking about is how much choice are we giving students if most Ts in the district have similar approaches? This is why diversity and inclusion are critical, and conversations like #cleartheair and #disrupttexts are so important #hacklearning
A2: One of the greatest assets a community has is its teachers. Provide the pathways for them to connect and strengthen one another. Empower teachers, and you empower students! CoPs can impact your professional learning: https://t.co/IUcA9AYaOj! #HackLearning@participate
A3- Depth in learning = When students can apply the skills to the world around them. They can hold valuable, intellectual conversations utilizing concepts and skills learned; not just reciting facts. #HackLearning
As I view my standards i know I have the same basic set of standards that are placed in different Eras on history... applying thought processes while learning history ... building Reps on thinking. #hacklearning
#HackLearning Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Wide and Deep are both valuable. I don't know that I want to go deeper if I've never even splashed around in the pool. #HackLearning#40FPLN
A3: I also like "prototyping" in learning. Let student try, build, create, experiment, exchange ideas, improve, collaborate and keep working until they feel they have accomplished what they envisioned. #hacklearning
Agreed! Its why I loved teaching multiage- it was a more fluid, ongoing ed system that respected that students learn and grow at their own pace! #HackLearning
I do think it's a balance. Look at K-12 education as thirteen years, not 180 days. Some ideas can be exposure with breadth because we are laying foundation for depth in another grade. #HackLearning
Exactly. This pro-depth teacher is trying to understand pro-breadth perceptions. I feel like the “system” wants me to focus on breadth when I’d much rather focus on depth. #hacklearning
A3 Ask probing questions to ascertain DOK and alway allow enough time for students to compose meaningful answers. Try this great resource for asking questions https://t.co/QUJAiAWkdl#HackLearning
I see connections to my personal life here. I always want to do everything really well, but that's nearly impossible. Have to be okay at some things to be great at the important things. (1/2) #hacklearning
Now a two-horse race for champion analogy at this morning's #hacklearning chat. If we set plants of @pammoran next to pool of @AustinELA8, I think we've got something...
#HackLearning Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Wide and Deep are both valuable. I don't know that I want to go deeper if I've never even splashed around in the pool. #HackLearning#40FPLN
A3) can the student ind. connect the concept to something else they have learned or to something outside the classroom? Can they explain it to others? Do they remember it weeks or months later when a sim situation is in front of them? #HackLearning
A3 I've personally used #EduProtocols and my students definitely showed improvement in communicating their knowledge and an increase in speed. Not having to juggle so many balls learning content, new tech etc. definitely made a difference #HackLearning
Start w KWL strategy gives you a chance to find out what kids are interested in - personalize that as part of process of planning for individual and team project work #HackLearning#pedagogicalshift
That's a surface level skill to begin with. #HackLearning Not something that's worth going deep on in isolation. Transfer the use of a timeline over different content and concepts.
It's this very issues that drives me to teach my SS "professional learner" skills. Teach them to dig deep by giving choice within a broarder topic. They may miss other material on the topic. But if they learn how to learn, they can learn anytime. #hacklearning
In agreement- finding the balance of teaching, learning, “covering” curriculum, digging deep into content, teaching life long skills, etc. is a challenge. #HackLearning
Transferring to the classroom, I always want to teach everything thoroughly. But there's something to picking and choosing to allow for greater depth of knowledge. (2/2) #HackLearning
A3 The first time a student does something, they show acquisition. We need to me measuring for fluency (consistency), maintenance (can keep doing it after instruction), & generalization (can do it in other contexts). #HackLearning
A3 When Ps come in & say, "What magic are you doing in school? Our dinner conversations are all about _____." I know the learning is going deep #HackLearning
A3 The first time a student does something, they show acquisition. We need to me measuring for fluency (consistency), maintenance (can keep doing it after instruction), & generalization (can do it in other contexts). #HackLearning
#HackLearning Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Wide and Deep are both valuable. I don't know that I want to go deeper if I've never even splashed around in the pool. #HackLearning#40FPLN
A3 can students teach it to others in a clear and concise manner, can they create a variety of ways to display or explain the information #HackLearning
A3 The first time a student does something, they show acquisition. We need to me measuring for fluency (consistency), maintenance (can keep doing it after instruction), & generalization (can do it in other contexts). #HackLearning
Great point @carlameyrink. We have to ask ourselves every day if there are areas where we can relinquish control and at the same time build Ss capacity and learning outcomes! #HackLearning
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @MrU_ishere, @carlameyrink
A3 Content is necessary as a vehicle. But by knowing that the skills transcend the content and are the real prize, we can give laser-like focus to what matters most. #HackLearning
When students have opportunities to grapple with complex problems through investigations, thinking talking reading and writing they are engaged in deeper learning They are usingmultiple drat thinking #hacklearning
WAIT TIME! Give that student and ALL students a chance to process the question and develop a response. If we always call on the first hand that goes up the rest of the students figure “she’s got it” and stop thinking. #HackLearning
A3 Ask probing questions to ascertain DOK and alway allow enough time for students to compose meaningful answers. Try this great resource for asking questions https://t.co/QUJAiAWkdl#HackLearning
Join #HackLearning chat August 19 at 8:30-9:00am EDT when Lauren Porosoff @LaurenPorosoff will be guest moderator leading chat on the "hacky" topic of Student Empowerment
A3: when it goes beyond regurgitation of facts. When it can be connected/applied in different ways. When new ways arise. Jumping in from Texas! Pleasant morning all! #hacklearning
Hope everyone will join us in the #HackLearning slow chat ... check the channel for questions - Q1 Monday 7:30 AM EST & Q2 Thursday 7:30 AM EST ... answer all week long!
Wow! I have been scrolling and liking responses and now #HackLearning is just about over! I need to catch up! Lots of great thoughts shared here today!
A3 my colleague @worldpeacemovie says he thinks we know what Learning sticks 20 years after kids engaged in lrning it -in the mean time -do they leave sch scratching their heads at end of day? Do they ask a lot of questions? Come up w/own projects? Persevere Smile? #HackLearning
