In a world shaped by rapid change, rising complexity, and constant distraction, students face challenges that can’t be solved with surface-level answers or memorized facts. They need the tools to think critically, solve complex problems, adapt to new situations, and communicate with clarity and purpose. Deeper learning equips students with the mindset and skillset to thrive—not just in school, but in life. It’s about moving beyond coverage to true understanding, beyond compliance to agency, and beyond quick fixes to lasting growth.
Making Sense of an Unpredictable World
Our world is changing in profound ways, with technology continuing to transform our economy, our jobs, and our political systems. It’s changing the way we consume media, how we interact with one another, and even our attention span and focus.
Now, with the rise of machine learning, we can’t predict how our future will continue to change. For years, we were taught a formula. Work hard at school. Graduate from college. Then climb the corporate ladder.
But the ladder is gone and in its place is a complex maze.
Here’s where deeper learning makes a difference. Deeper learning isn’t a trendy program or a flashy new curriculum. It’s not a magical formula or a quick-fix solution.
Instead, it’s an approach to education that focuses on depth in a culture that can sometimes be shallow.
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Focus: Deeper Concentration in a Distracted World
Students need to develop the ability to concentrate for longer stretches of time. In a world of constant notifications and interruptions, focus is becoming a rare and valuable skill. -
Mastery: Deeper Understanding in an Age of Instant Answers
Instead of skimming the surface, students need to go deep into concepts and skills. Mastery means they can apply knowledge flexibly and creatively accurately over time. -
Problem-Solving: Deeper Thinking in a World of Smart Machines
Students need to learn how to solve real, meaningful problems that require critical thinking, creativity, and persistence. It’s about applying knowledge to new and complex situations, not just memorizing solutions. -
Curiosity: Deeper Discovery in a Sea of Information
In an age where information is everywhere, students need to stay curious. It’s curiosity that drives inquiry, innovation, and the motivation to keep learning even when answers aren’t obvious. It’s what allows them to be intellectually humble and ask the questions AI hasn’t yet asked. -
Self-Direction: Deeper Drive in a Changing World
Students must learn how to manage their own learning, set goals, and adapt when things change. Self-direction helps them navigate uncertainty and take ownership of their growth. -
Resilience: Deeper Effort when Faced with Big Challenges
Deeper learning requires struggle and students need the resilience to push through confusion, boredom, and frustration. They learn that growth often happens when the learning is the most challenging. -
Collaboration: Deeper Connection in an Isolated World
Working well with others has never been more important. Students need to build skills in communication, empathy, and teamwork in ways that foster real collaboration. -
Communication: Deeper Divergence in a Sea of Sameness
Students need to develop a clear, authentic voice that stands out. Whether it’s writing, speaking, or listening, communication should reflect deep thinking and connect meaningfully with an audience.
At its core, deeper learning is a pedagogical model. It’s an approach to teaching that moves away from shallow learning and into deeper mastery, deeper engagement, and deeper effort. Sometimes it looks traditional (like extended silent reading) and other times it looks cutting edge (using an AI chatbot to develop deep understanding through inquiry). But the common thread is depth in a culture of shallow.
Articles on A.I.
The following are the articles I’ve written on this topic.
Teachers Are the Champions of Depth in a Culture of Distractions
Why Deeper Learning Is a Critical Advantage in the Age of AI
Ten Ways to Use AI for Deeper Learning and Mastery
Designing PBL to Decrease Cognitive Load
From Scrolling to Solving – Why Deeper Learning is Vital in a Distracted World
Designing Systems that Reduce Distractions and Improve Focused Learning
Why Focused Work Has Become an Essential Skill in a Distracted World
Let’s Work Together!
Lately, I have been leading sessions, keynotes, and workshops focused on authentic learning in an age of AI. I use humor and storytelling along with practical strategies to inspire and equip educators at the K-12 and Higher Education levels. If you reach out, we can create something customized for your school, district, or institution.
Insightful Keynotes
The Depth Advantage
In an age of distractions, deeper learning is both more urgent and more difficult than ever. Students are bombarded with noise: notifications, multitasking, and the temptation of shortcuts in a world of instant answers. But what if we gave students something richer? In this keynote, we explore how to cultivate the habits of deeper thinking, sustained focus, and meaningful learning across content areas. You’ll learn practical strategies to foster mastery, curiosity, problem-solving, resilience, and communication in your classroom, even in a fast-paced digital world.
How Will We Respond to the A.I. Revolution?
The A.I. Revolution is here. For some, it’s exciting. For others, it feels terrifying. Still others feel baffled and confused by it. Many of us feel a mix of all three emotions. But one thing is clear. It’s here and it’s not going away. In this keynote, we explore how we might adapt and change as we navigate the new terrain of an AI world. We explore the human skills students will need in a world of smart machines. Ultimately, we’ll be reminded of the hope and humanity we continue to have in a time of epic change.
Navigating the Maze
We are at the beginning of the AI Revolution, and we can’t predict what this maze will look like. In this keynote, we explore what vital skills students will need to become self-directed learners who can thrive in the maze. We’ll examine how creativity and curiosity can help develop the adaptability students will need as they navigate a complex and unpredictable world fueled by generative AI.
This is the Future of Education
For all the talk of gadgets and apps, the future of education won’t center around a new content delivery system. The future is in your classroom. It’s with your students as they engage in deeper learning.
Vintage Innovation
The best way to prepare students for the future is to empower them in the present. In this keynote or workshop, we explore what it means to use vintage ideas, tools, and strategies in new and relevant ways. Here, we focus on innovation as a focus on “what is best” rather than “what is next.”
Practical Workshops
Workshops range from 90-minutes to a full day (or multiple days). I would love to meet with your team to plan out something comprehensive and specific to your educator’s needs. Here are the most popular workshop I conduct:
Getting Started with Deeper Learning
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into practical strategies to help students develop deeper thinking, sustained focus, and meaningful learning habits across content areas. You’ll explore ways to foster mastery, curiosity, problem-solving, resilience, and communication—even in a fast-paced, digital world. Through interactive activities, reflective discussions, and real-world examples, you’ll walk away with a toolkit of approaches to make deeper learning more tangible and attainable for your students. Whether you’re looking to build sustained attention in your classroom or empower students to embrace curiosity and problem-solving, this workshop will provide actionable insights to transform your teaching practice.
Mastery Over Memorization: Building Skills That Stick
In this workshop, we’ll explore how to move students beyond rote memorization toward true mastery. You’ll learn practical strategies to help students engage in deliberate practice, reflect on their progress, and apply their skills in real-world contexts. We’ll look at how to structure learning experiences that promote retention and deeper understanding. By the end, you’ll have tools to help students build lasting skills that go beyond surface-level knowledge.
Fostering Curiosity in a Distracted World
Curiosity is at the heart of deeper learning, but in a world filled with distractions, it’s easy for students to lose that spark. This workshop will provide you with techniques to reignite curiosity through inquiry-based learning and project-driven exploration. We’ll discuss how to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to ask questions and explore ideas. You’ll leave with practical approaches to keep curiosity alive, even in a fast-paced, digital world.
Problem-Solving in Complex Contexts: Beyond Formulaic Thinking
Problem-solving goes beyond following a set of steps—it’s about thinking critically and adapting to new situations. In this workshop, you’ll explore methods for teaching problem-solving that move students away from formulaic approaches. We’ll discuss how to pose meaningful challenges and guide students in developing flexible thinking. You’ll gain strategies to help students tackle complex problems with creativity and persistence.
The Future of Writing
As AI tools become more integrated into the writing process, students need skills that go beyond basic composition. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to help students write with empathy, curiosity, and a sense of context. You’ll discover strategies for teaching divergent thinking and nuanced communication in an AI-influenced world. You’ll walk away with practical techniques to help students develop a distinct voice that stands out.
Sustained Focus in a World of Distractions
Attention spans are shrinking, but deeper learning requires sustained focus and deliberate effort. This workshop will explore strategies for helping students maintain their attention despite digital interruptions. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit for guiding students toward more focused, intentional learning.
Student Agency and Self-Directed Learning
Empowering students to take charge of their own learning can lead to deeper engagement and greater academic success. In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to foster self-direction by teaching students to set goals, track their progress, and reflect on their learning. You’ll explore practical ways to build routines that support independence and critical thinking. By the end, you’ll have concrete strategies to nurture student agency in your classroom.