Thinking matters

How we learn has a profound effect on the way we work and the results we produce. Researchers have found that there are three basic approaches to learning: Surface learning, strategic learning and deep learning. Surface learners approach learning as an exercise in recall, memorizing facts and definitions in anticipation of taking a test. Deep learners, on the other hand, approach learning with the desire to understand the meaning of an idea, to tear it apart, to see the concepts behind the ideas, to identify the logic of the idea, to see how ideas fit together. Strategic learners often earn high grades and may look and sound like deep learners. Except that they focus their learning on determining what the “professor will put on the test”, then they study that material exclusively to achieve high grades.  Think of surface learners and strategic learners as “task oriented”, and deep learners as “learning oriented”.

The issue is that students learn procedure, facts and figures, but not the meaning behind them. They learn how to plug numbers into a formula, but not what the formula means.  They become “routine experts”. That is, they understand expertly how to use a formula, module or tool. That’s fine if the situation is routine. But in this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world, we face few routine decisions. Strategic learners have difficulty adapting to new situations.

Deep learners are more effective in analysis, critical thinking, complex problem solving and creativity, because they don’t default to the template. They are able to adapt and create, because they think more deeply, connect and integrate ideas. They are adaptive experts, able to respond to complex, changing situations. They see opportunities for innovation and change. Deep learners are more dogged.  They may take longer to be effective, but once they get up to speed, they perform more effectively. What’s most interesting is that deep learners do not necessarily have the highest grades. They take longer to work through ideas and information, as they integrate it. They are, however, better at analysis, critical thinking, creativity and complex problem solving.

So what kind of learner do you want to be?