View a detailed sampler of the Kit and its contents / Order your copy from the publisher.
“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 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
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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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CURRENT NEWS from LiD
“The love of knowledge: LiD in Chile”. May, 2013
“Small colored boxes hang from the ceilings of the classrooms of all 1st to 6th grade students at Lincoln International Academy, Santiago, Chile. There is also a table full of goodies in each class. It is the day when the students discover the topics about which they will become experts.”
Read more about the implementation and ceremony on Chile.
LiD used to teach English in China February, 2013
In Guizhou University the LiD program is being used to teach English. Guizhou University is a public coeducational university, located in the suburban outskirts of Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province, China. The university is one of the key 211 Project universities on mainland China. Dr. Steven Fletcher had adapted the LiD program to stimulate his students to learn and understand English. You can read more about his program by clicking here.
Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia. February, 2013
LiDKiDs University Project
Macquarie University is developing an initiative called LiDKiDs University aimed at building confidence, motivation and skills in children. These attributes can then be transferred to their tertiary and and/or life long learning environments. The LiDKiDs idea evolved after a presentation given by Professor Kieran Egan at Macquarie University, where he outlined his Learning in Depth (LiD) project that has been successful in Canada. This presentation generated considerable interest in LiD being developed for Indigenous students, students with disabilities and students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Professor Egan, the Research Chair of Canada, is supporting this project with a $20,000 grant. LiDKiDs is an international project that will be developed by MQAS in conjunction with ‘The Learning Studio’. edstudio_2012.pdf
Parents start their own LiD program January 2013
In a school where some classes but not others introduced LiD, some of the parents of children in the non-LiD classes wanted the program for their children and decided to do it themselves. They had a “launch” party at the home of one of the parents, where the children received their LiD topics and their beginning portfolios. They also, appropriately, had a celebratory LiD cake.
Successful LiD Launch at University Highlands Elementary School, Burnaby, BC, Canada October 10, 2012
LiD launch UHE from JCant on Vimeo.
2013 IERG International Conference
We would be pleased if you would join us at this wonderful celebration of imagination, learning and education in the wonderful city of Vancouver, BC, Canada. We would also appreciate it if you would forward this information to others who may be interested in submitting a proposal or attending this conference.
