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In education, the deeper learning concept is often connected to the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. This foundation led an initiative to promote deeper learning in a network of schools across the nation. They define deeper learning as “a set of competencies students must master in order to develop a keen understanding of academic content and apply their knowledge to problems in the classroom and on the job.” A National Research Council panel further defined deeper learning as “the process through which an individual becomes capable of taking what was learned in one situation and applying it to new situations (i.e., transfer).” (National Research Council. 2012)
At New Tech Network, deeper learning is a comprehensive approach to creating experiences that embody our Focus Areas:
NTN mapped a developmental progression towards deeper learning and created the NTN School Success Rubric and Focus Areas. To ensure each student develops skills for life beyond school, their classroom environment should exhibit NTN Focus Areas, which are essential aspects of deeper learning.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation created a list of competencies to further define deeper learning from the student experience. These competencies are:
The New Tech Network Learning Outcomes, research-based and closely aligned to these competencies, are designed to allow teachers to support and assess students based on a holistic picture of their skills while meeting state academic requirements.
The New Tech Network Learning Outcomes are:
In his Deeper Leading article, Jim May, New Tech Network’s CEO states that “Deeper Learning represents an attempt to better align the experiences that students have in school with the demands that will be made of them by the world.” We believe that schools should prepare each student for post secondary success with the skills and knowledge to be ready for college and career. These foundational skills for future success are codified in the New Tech Network Learning Outcomes and deeper learning competencies.
Research of schools that promoted deeper learning outcomes found that, “Students who attended participating network schools reported more positive interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes than students who attended non-network schools. In particular, they reported higher levels of collaboration skills, academic engagement, motivation to learn, and self-efficacy.” Read more from the study of deeper learning here: Does Deeper Learning Improve Student Outcomes? Results From the Study of Deeper Learning: Opportunities and Outcomes).
NTN believes that quality project-based learning is the best way to have students experience the power of deeper learning in the classroom. Research findings demonstrate the positive impact of PBL on various aspects of learning, like content knowledge, problem-solving skills, motivation, and engagement. They contribute to the growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of PBL in enhancing student learning outcomes. Research studying the impact of NTN PBL on engagement found:
Read more about the research of project-based learning in the article Benefits of Project-Based Learning.
NTN assesses collaborative learning with the use of the NTN Collaboration Rubrics. Teachers at NTN schools use these rubrics in a variety of ways:
We include collaboration in our NTN Learning Outcomes because it is a fundamental skill in project-based learning and other deeper learning classroom techniques. Explore the samples of the NTN Collaboration Rubrics for ideas on how to assess collaboration in your classroom.
Creating a deeper learning environment requires shifts towards authentic problem-solving and learner-centered facilitation. PBL and learner-centered classrooms can take different forms in how they might be implemented but all have the same aim:
NTN Learner-Centered Practices Cards are concrete practices that can be implemented to create a deeper learning classroom. The implementation of these practices cards encourage collaboration and discourse, idea generation, a wide range of voices and perspectives, a deeper understanding of concepts, complex thinking, and problem solving. To learn more about creating a student-centered environment, read How to Implement Student-Centered Teaching Strategies in the Classroom.
Two examples of NTN’s Learner-Centered Practices Cards are:
You can find these cards by downloading the NTN Practices Cards Sample Deck.
One of NTN’s four Focus Areas of a Supportive Culture builds daily practices that foster courage through connection. This type of culture is foundational so that students can embrace collaboration, discourse, and higher order thinking skills that they are asked to use in a deeper learning environment. It takes work and the use of strategic practices to cultivate a learning environment that supports student and adult collaboration. Below are a few NTN Culture Practices used to create this environment:
You can find these cards by downloading the NTN Practices Cards Sample Deck.
NTN’s Focus Area of Learner-Centered Instruction and Assessment engages students in learning that fosters deeper understanding and student growth through student inquiry and agency, culturally sustaining practices, project-based learning and motivational feedback.
In a deeper learning environment, assessment should be used to inform instruction and emphasize learner growth and intrinsic motivation, prioritize asset-based feedback to further build on learner strengths, and support growth in knowledge and skills over time.
Deeper learning assessment practices should reflect an underlying shift in the way students and teachers approach assessment:
To learn more about a Learner-Centered Approach and Assessment in PBL, visit How to Implement Student Centered Learning and How to Use Assessment in Project-Based Learning.
Based on NTN’s experience, high-quality, relevant project-based learning (PBL) is the best way for students to experience contextual, shared and deep learning. Rather than merely delivering content, PBL facilitators guide students through the project process, fostering a collaborative and student-centered environment that supports all students in growing and tackling the demanding work of project-based learning. To learn more about how project-based learning creates classrooms that foster deeper learning, read The Comprehensive Guide to Project-Based Learning.
The changing roles of teachers require ongoing adult support that enables new ways to facilitate deeper learning within existing curriculum constraints. Strong adult learning is at the center of the New Tech Network’s (NTN) work with schools. Learn more about adult learning in PBL in the article, Professional Development for Project-Based Learning.
Discover the power of deeper learning as an approach to education that asks students to move beyond surface learning towards using critical skills needed for future college and career. Through project-based learning, student-centered teaching methods, and a strong emphasis on collaboration and metacognition, students become active participants in their education, increasing their engagement, and deeper retention of knowledge. Ultimately, deeper learning prepares students to navigate an ever-evolving world and to become lifelong learners ensuring they are not only ready for college and careers but also for meaningful contributions to society.
At New Tech Network, we empower educators to create more engaged schools—places where teaching feels joyful and learning feels energized. We offer professional learning that fuels creativity, strengthens teams, and sustains progress by combining actionable tools with meaningful support. Through whole-school transformation, guided pathways for focused change, and high-impact workshops, we’ve helped educators at over 350 schools feel confident, supported, and ready to build thriving school communities. Learn more about NTN Services.