Profound Learning
Elevating students to reach new heights through empowerment.
Empowerment through autonomy.
Profound Learning is an empowerment model of learning that elevates student learning to heights not achievable using the traditional ‘command and control’ industrial age model of education. Allowing students to take control of and responsibility for their own learning has proven to increase motivation and the effectiveness of learning. Along with high academic excellence, the Profound Learning model prepares students for their future with a focus on innovation and creativity.
Profound Learning has proven to elevate the academic achievement of the vast majority of students. At Master’s Academy, students have consistently out-performed provincial norms on Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs). The provincial average of students attaining excellence on PATs is 20%. At Master’s, over 90% of our students consistently achieve excellence.
Challenging Orthodoxy
Innovation is fueled by the ability to challenge orthodoxy or dogma of the system. The factory model of education is established on the following two axioms: the time to learn is fixed and the quality of learning is variable. These axioms have gone unchallenged for decades, which have led educators to believe that student performance in the system is primarily a reflection of their ability to learn and not a by-product of the system itself.
The Profound Learning model challenges the orthodoxy of education. In order to create a system where the time to learn is personalized and the quality of learning is tight, new systems were invented through which learning is managed.
Profound Learning is a system of education through which the vast majority of students achieve academic excellence. Motivation skyrockets as students engage in learning experiences that are meaningful to them. In a Profound Learning environment, students, teachers, and parents experience a joy not possible in the traditional command and control system of education. In addition to academic excellence, students are equipped with Future Ready skills essential for succeeding in the world of tomorrow.
The Layers of Profound Learning.
The Profound Learning model does what traditional education does not. Students attain high academic achievement, as well as become equipped with a powerful sense of self-purpose and the skills to make a difference in their world.
Ownership
Mastery
Innovation
Future Ready
Profound Learning is like a three-layer cake. Student Ownership is the foundation, Mastery is the middle layer, and Innovation is the third layer. Future Ready skills are the icing on the cake–they cover and flow through the three layers.
The foundational layer of Ownership is achieved by providing students with tools and processes, such as Learning Maps, that give them the ability to track their own learning. Putting the responsibility for learning in the hands of students requires shifting one’s thinking about teaching and learning.
Quantum Trailblazers
Watch the film
What does ownership look like?
Student perspective and opinion is recognized.
Student feedback is gathered and interpreted.
Students are given choice.
Students track their learning and set goals.
Students are given leadership opportunities.
Students are managing their own projects.
Students are given the responsibility.
The second layer is Mastery, where the vast majority of students attain a high level of academic success. Mastery is achieved by students identifying and closing gaps in their learning through self-assessment. In addition, students engage in brain-compatible learning experiences based on the latest research in neuro, cognitive, and behavioural sciences.
At Master’s, we have developed an inquiry, project-based learning process called Learning Adventures. Learning Adventures integrate the essential elements of Profound Learning with a high level of academic rigour and relevance.
Medieval Learning Adventure
Watch the film
What does mastery look like?
Learning is customized (environment, passion/interest, ability levels).
Time to learn is personalized.
Instruction is differentiated (amount/type).
Success for all is the goal.
Quality is fixed.
Learning gaps are closed.
The third layer is Innovation, where students experience the process of Becoming Imaginal. The imaginal term comes from biology: it is the imaginal cells within the caterpillar that transform it into a butterfly. Becoming Imaginal is a metaphor to describe the ability of our students to see, design, and create the future. Who the student is becoming is as important to their future as their academic achievement.
Chocolate Inventors
Watch the film
What does innovation look like?
Uniqueness is encouraged.
Thinking beyond improvement to transformation/design.
Use of creative processes or tools.
Use of problem solving/critical thinking skills.
Creating that which has never been done before.
Pursuing personal passion and vision.
Becoming Imaginal.
The icing on the cake and between all the layers is the purposeful development of Future Ready skills within students. These are the skills that students need to thrive in their future.
Future By Design
Watch the film
What does future ready look like?
Personal development with a growth mind set, skills and habits.
Developing character through the 7 Habits of the Master Learner.
Finding your Big Why through the 5 Keys of Becoming Imaginal.
Master’s Profound Learning model goes beyond academic preparation and the traditional system of education. This learning framework has been established by the R&D Team at Master’s and is a comprehensive ecosystem that is being recreated and scaled around the world.
The following Nine Elements connect all layers of the Profound Learning model together. These Nine Elements encompass our educational philosophy, the latest brain research, tools, and practices.