“Learning in Depth” is a simple though radical innovation in curriculum and instruction designed to ensure that all students become experts about something during their school years. Each child is given a particular topic to learn about through her or his whole school career, in addition to the usual curriculum, and builds a personal portfolio on the topic. To the surprise of many, children usually take to the program with great enthusiasm, and within a few months LiD begins to transform their experience as learners. The program usually takes about an hour a week, with the students working outside school time increasingly.
“If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has, at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things.” (Vincent Van Gogh)
For a brief video introduction, click here.
For a longer description of Learning in Depth (LiD) click here (for part one) and here (for part two).
For a “Brief Guide to Learning in Depth,” click here
For a FAQ page, click here
For a brochure sketching our support services for LiD implementation, click here: part 1 / part 2
For reasons to give LiD a trial, click here
For “7 steps to starting LiD,” click here
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In most of our literature we suggest beginning LiD as children start school. This is the ideal, but not always possible for many teachers. If you teach grade 6, for example, and are attracted by LiD, there is no reason not to start then. At the moment there are LiD programs beginning in all grades in some schools somewhere, even grade 12.
“LiD has changed my children!!! They became interested in discovering knowledge, sharing it and organizing it. Their topic became a very close part of their lives. In the two years since their school adopted this program, my children learned how to love learning! “
“The kids love it!”
(David Futter, teacher in Victoria, B.C.)
“I have never experienced the kind of questions and interactions I now have with my students . . . I have never experienced these kinds of conversations with children.”
(Linda Holmes, teacher in Langley, B.C.)
“The Learning in Depth project has brought to our students a completely new relationship to learning that has been surprising in its depth and quality.”
(Sheri Dunton, teacher in Corbett, OR)
Letter from a parent:
“My son was introduced to Learning in Depth by his teacher in his grade two year. When the project first began, a letter came home explaining Learning in Depth. I must admit, I did not give it much notice. As they studied their topics I began to realize that my son was commanding my attention with a new excitement in his voice. I couldn’t help but be amazed by the conversations . . . I was astounded by what he knew and how he was able to articulate this knowledge with such confidence . . . . He is in grade four this year and I know that Learning in Depth has aided in his extreme ability to comprehend new knowledge. I believe that because he was allowed to explore information about a topic . . . he became aware of his own ability to understand . . . My son’s maturity level has grown tremendously. He has gained patience and takes pride in his work. He explains his thoughts and ideas with ease and clarity. He never feels overwhelmed by school and welcomes homework responsibly. He is truly content and happy with his progress. I feel so fortunate to have been witness to my child experiencing this program and I am convinced that he has benefited beyond his capabilities. Sincerely, Nicole Clydesdale.”
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In the 2008/9 school year, 30 students in two British Columbia schools began building LiD portfolios. In 2009/10 more than 2,000 students were involved in the program. In 2010/11 many more students have become involved in Canada and the US, in Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Romania, Greece, England, Japan, Iran, and other countries.