Jensen Eric P - Deeper learning: 7 powerful strategies for in-depth and longer-lasting learning

Copyright 2008 by Corwin Press

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data.

Jensen, Eric, 1950

Deeper learning: 7 powerful strategies for in-depth and longer-lasting learning/by Eric Jensen and LeAnn Nickelsen.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4129-5203-3 (cloth)

ISBN 978-1-4129-5204-0 (pbk.)

1. Learning. 2. Learning strategies. 3. Learning, Psychology of. 4. Teaching.

I. Nickelsen, LeAnn. II. Title.

LB1060.J452 2008

370.1523--dc22 2007042020

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

08 09 10 11 12 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

T he field of education is like the swinging of a pendulum: first it goes in one direction and then it goes in the opposite direction. Right now the pendulum has swung way out toward a focus on reading and math and getting the highest test scores. Educators have complained that todays curriculum is a mile wide and an inch deep. We happen to agree with that analysis. But without the tools to do something about this broad and general curriculum, frustration can occur. Both of us value learning. We want to develop learners who know how to learn, love to learn, and are very good at it. The by-products of loving learning and diving into content at deeper levels are long-term memory of concepts, passion for learning, and good test scores. Thats what makes this book different from many others.

This book is not focused on being trendy. Its about teaching in ways that develop deeper learning rather than superficial learning. Just as important, its about learning that sticks. Youre introduced to a simple instructional model, the Deeper Learning Cycle (DELC). It guides you through a sequence of learning that enables all your students to be successful in the classroom. Since students come to the learning situation with different concepts and skills, you cant teach them all the same way. The DELC points out the way for individual students at different points in the learning cycle. Just as important, you can also see in this book the application of the leading edge of brain research.

No one has worked harder and more thoughtfully on this material than my writing partner, LeAnn. I appreciate her caring and commitment to helping educators, and she just keeps getting better every year. Countless teachers have benefited from her expertise, and it truly comes through in this project. Thanks, LeAnn!

Eric Jensen

I would like to thank my coauthor, Eric Jensen, for this wonderful opportunity to share my ideas and learn from the expert! What a fabulous experience it has been!

I would like to dedicate this book to my wonderful family: my husband of 15 years, Joel, who is simply the best coach, friend, husband, and father, and who challenges me to think at deeper levels. To my school-age twins, Keaton and Aubrey, may you have a passion for learning and sharing it with others.

I would like to thank my parents, Jim and Dolores Heim, who encouraged me to be a teacher. I have wanted to teach since I was in the sixth grade. My mom was an incredible teacher!

I would like to thank my lifelong colleague and friend, Linda G. Allen, who is a wonderful processing partner and gave me so much feedback on my teaching ideas and presentations. Thanks for your feedback and input on Four-Choice Processing, the Deeper Learning Cycle Lesson Plan Template, and so many other ideas.

I would like to give special thanks to my cooperating teachers and long-time friends I met when I student taught years ago: Laura Smith and Sharon McClelland. You were the best to learn from!

I would like to thank the following school districts for being so awesome to work with on a regular basis and for their feedback on some of the ideas in this book: Waynesville Elementary School in Ohio (Jean Hartmanwhat a principal you are!), Centerville School District in Ohio, Olathe School District in Kansas, Ridgebury Elementary in Connecticut, Grapevine-Colleyville School District in Texas, Gardner-Edgerton School District in Kansas, Mason School District in Ohio, and Woodland Elementary School in Ohio. Thank you to Staff Development for Educators for the wonderful support and opportunities you have given to me to share this information with teachers nationwide.

Last, but most important, I want to thank God for His strength to complete this book and continue on with my other responsibilities. I could not have done this without Your help!

LeAnn Nickelsen

We appreciate all the hard work and expertise of our amazing and talented editors Allyson Sharp, Barbara Coster, David Gray, and Cassandra Seibel. You were able to manage and organize a lot of different files. Your suggestions, questions, word choice, and eye for detail were invaluable! Thank you so much!

Eric Jensen and LeAnn Nickelsen

Eric Jensen is a staff developer with a real love of learning. As a former teacher, he has taught at all levels, from elementary through university level, and is currently completing his PhD in psychology. He cofounded SuperCamp/Quantum Learning, the nations first and largest brain-compatible learning program, now with over 50,000 graduates. He authored Teaching With the Brain in Mind, Enriching the Brain, Brain-Based Learning