Designing for Deeper Learning: Tools to Build Student-Centered Classrooms

Designing for Deeper Learning: Tools to Build Student-Centered Classrooms

Description:

Deep learning starts with purposeful design and delivery. In this interactive session, CTLG leads educators through their toolkit consisting of instructional design templates and student engagement strategies. While examining how to design learning experiences that develop the 5 C’s. Participants will review common practice challenges and explore different structures that support discourse, engagement, and metacognition. Expect rich discussion and an idea to launch deeper, student-centered learning.

Subject Area: Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, General

Delivery Format: In-Person, Virtual, Hybrid

Target Audience: Pre-Service Teachers, Classroom Teachers

Duration: Workshop (60-90 minutes)

Facilitators:

Grade Level: Elementary, Middle, High, Higher Education

Learning Intentions:

  • I am learning how to modify traditional instruction models to create a more effective and equitable learning environment.
  • I am learning how to create a student-centered classroom where students are thinking at different levels and actively engaging in the 5 C’s.

Success Criteria:

  • I can explain why it’s important to have surface, deep, and transfer learning.
  • I can determine if learning experiences are surface, deep, and transfer learning.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Purposeful instructional design
  • CTLG toolkit (design templates & engagement strategies)
  • The 5 C’s (critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, citizenship)
  • Student discourse structures
  • Engagement strategies
  • Metacognition practices
  • Common instructional challenges
  • Student-centered learning design
  • Moving beyond compliance
  • Launching deeper learning ideas

Expected Impact:

This session equips participants with practical tools and strategies to design student-centered learning experiences that foster deeper thinking and engagement. Schools benefit from increased coherence and a culture of purposeful design that supports discourse, metacognition, and motivation, while divisions gain capacity to sustain instructional transformation and align practices system-wide. The overall impact is a shift toward sustainable, student-focused learning that empowers educators and leaders to drive meaningful change.

Testimonials: