#learningmatters

Post 5 — L: Learning //

Introduction

The second L represents Learning, a core pillar of informed discussion and responsible advocacy.

The Power of Learning

Education is essential for understanding complex geopolitical issues. Misconceptions about the Middle East often arise from incomplete historical knowledge or reliance on unreliable sources.

Learning involves studying history, exploring multiple perspectives, and examining original documents and academic research.

Educational initiatives—from universities to independent research platforms—help provide context for modern events and policies.

Learning also encourages curiosity and critical thinking, helping individuals navigate complex narratives and competing claims.

Closing Thought

In India, the National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 every year in memory of the birth anniversary of the first Education Minister of independent India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He had a strong belief that education is the key to developing progressive and self-reliant nation.

At Gitanjali International School Bowrampet Hyderabad, the National Education Day is an attractive day to remind the importance of education in developing young minds. The day brings out the significance of knowledge, creativity and lifelong learning in equipping students with a bright future.

Importance of National Education Day

National Education day highlights the place of education as a way of changing people and empowering society. It serves to remind us that good education is a right of all children and learning is a crucial component of national development.

For students, this day helps them understand:

The importance of education in personal growth

The role of teachers in guiding and inspiring students

The value of knowledge, innovation, and creativity

The need for continuous learning in a rapidly changing world

Schools across the country celebrate this day by encouraging discussions about the significance of education and the impact it has on society.

Celebrating Education at Gitanjali High School

At Gitanjali International School, Bowrampet, National Education Day is celebrated through various engaging activities that inspire students to appreciate the value of learning.

Students participate in:

Interactive workshops that encourage creative thinking

Debates and discussions on educational topics

Essay writing competitions that help students express their ideas

Recognition of educators who contribute to building a knowledgeable society

These activities allow students to explore new ideas, build confidence, and understand the importance of education beyond the classroom.

Commitment to Quality Education

Gitanjali High School is recognized as one of the best international schools in Hyderabad, offering a learning environment that prepares students for global opportunities.

The school provides both Cambridge Curriculum and CBSE Curriculum, allowing students to benefit from diverse educational approaches.

Cambridge Curriculum focuses on analytical thinking, creativity, and global perspectives.

CBSE Curriculum emphasizes strong subject knowledge, discipline, and cultural values.

By combining the strengths of both systems, the school ensures that students receive a balanced education that supports academic excellence and personal development.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Education at Gitanjali International School, Bowrampet goes beyond textbooks. The school believes in nurturing well-rounded individuals through a holistic approach to learning.

Along with academics, students are encouraged to participate in:

Extracurricular activities

Leadership development programs

Sports and physical education

Community service initiatives

These experiences help students build confidence, teamwork skills, and social responsibility.

Conclusion

The National Education Day is not merely a glorification but a reminder to the fact that meaningful learning opportunities should be created to reach all children. It motivates teachers, learners and schools to keep striving to a position where knowledge will make people stronger and the society greater.

Why “Teaching for the Test” Is Failing Our Students and How Deeper Learning Fixes It?

For too long, schools have been caught in the cycle of memorization, worksheets, and test prep. On the surface, it looks like learning — but in reality, students walk away without the skills they need to thrive in the real world. This is why the idea of deeper learning is more urgent than ever. It’s not just another education buzzword; it’s a research-backed framework that helps students master academics while also developing the competencies required for success in the 21st century.

What Exactly Is “Deeper Learning”?

The roots of deeper learning run deep in educational history. John Dewey, in the early 20th century, argued that true education is about doing — connecting knowledge to lived experience. Later, Bloom’s Taxonomy (1956, revised 2001) emphasized higher-order thinking like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, urging educators to move beyond surface recall.

Unfortunately, the standards movement of the late 1990s and 2000s often narrowed education down to test scores. Students became numbers on a report card rather than problem-solvers, collaborators, and innovators. Deeper learning emerged as a response — a way to bring back critical thinking, problem-solving, and meaningful application.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation popularized the term in 2013, framing deeper learning as a set of six core competencies that every student needs in order to succeed in life, not just in school.

The Six Deeper Learning Competencies Every Student Needs

Deeper learning is not abstract — it’s practical. Here are the six research-backed competencies that define it:

Mastering Core Academic Content Students go beyond memorization and apply knowledge in new contexts. Mastery-based and competency-based assessments ensure that learning is both meaningful and measurable.

Thinking Critically and Solving Complex Problems Instead of regurgitating facts, students evaluate information, make sound judgments, and learn how to approach unfamiliar challenges with creativity and persistence.

Working Collaboratively Whether in small teams, classrooms, or community projects, collaboration builds essential skills for both academic and workplace success.

Communicating Effectively Students must express ideas clearly — whether in essays, presentations, or digital platforms. Communication that is concise, coherent, and correct is non-negotiable.

Learning How to Learn This is metacognition in action. Students reflect on their thinking, regulate their learning, and grow into independent, self-directed learners.

Developing Academic Mindsets With a growth mindset, resilience, and a sense of belonging, students view challenges as opportunities instead of roadblocks — critical for lifelong learning.

Together, these competencies represent future-ready skills: the blend of knowledge, creativity, and adaptability that every graduate needs.

What Does Deeper Learning Look Like in Practice?

Theory is meaningless without action. So, how do these competencies play out in real classrooms? According to the Learning Policy Institute (2025), students in deeper learning environments:

Engage in inquiry-based, hands-on projects that explore authentic scientific, social, and historical problems.

Build strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills by producing arguments, reports, and presentations.

Develop resilience and perseverance while solving problems collaboratively with peers.

Use technology as a tool, not just for consumption but to research, connect with experts, and design solutions.

Demonstrate knowledge through performance tasks and authentic assessments, not just multiple-choice exams.

This approach doesn’t just teach content — it integrates skills, relevance, and personal meaning into every learning experience.

The Real Risk of Ignoring Deeper Learning

When schools reduce learning to test prep, students may pass exams but fail at life beyond the classroom. They lack the adaptability, problem-solving, and confidence needed for higher education, careers, and citizenship in a fast-changing world.

Even worse, this approach deepens the opportunity gap — the unequal access to resources and experiences that disadvantaged students face. By contrast, deeper learning directly addresses the gap by offering equitable, relevant, and empowering experiences for all learners.

If education remains locked in outdated models, we risk producing graduates who can take tests but cannot think critically, collaborate effectively, or adapt to real-world challenges.

Final Thought: Why Deeper Learning Must Become the Norm

Education must evolve beyond rote memorization and narrow test scores. Deeper learning, supported by decades of research and advocacy, is the bridge between academic mastery and lifelong success.

At Defined, we believe every student deserves this kind of education. Our resources and professional learning workshops equip teachers to create classrooms where students don’t just study for the next test they prepare for the rest of their lives.

Research design is a structured framework for conducting studies, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and validity. Key types include exploratory, descriptive, experimental, and correlational research. A well-planned research design helps in data collection, analysis, and deriving meaningful conclusions, essential for academic and business research Read More..