WBPHS explores the Deep Learning Lab concept

Evany van Wyk
Maurice Hinterholzer

As the principal of Walvis Bay Private High School, Mrs Estelle Eigelaar, puts it so aptly, “We strive to keep up with the needs of the 21st-century child. This is done by creating a positive learning environment conducive to learning.” True to this vision, WBPHS has been exploring the implementation of the principles of the Deep Learning Lab.

This global innovation in education was formally introduced to the teaching staff of the school during the recent visit of Dr Gavin Keller, principal and CEO of Sun Valley Group of Schools, to WBPHS. Dr. Keller visited the school on 9 and 10 May for a Professional Learning Community session with the staff. Moreover, the school has been committed to developing itself as a Professional Learning Community since 2004. Hence, PLC periods are reserved for Wednesdays from 12:30 to 13:10. “At WBPHS we continue to have the desire to constantly improve our teaching capacity”, Mrs Eigelaar told Die Orakel. True to this, the principles of the Deep Learning Lab concept are being considered and its implementation would be an ongoing process.

Why the need for a Deep Learning Lab? In 2012 Dr. Lee Jenkins, an American specialist in education, did a study on the declining enthusiasm and creativity at grade levels. The study showed that the peak of enthusiasm is in grade R with 95%. As the years pass, enthusiasm wanes to a startling 37% in grade 9. As of grade 9 to matric, enthusiasm slowly grows to a meagre 45% in the latter. Although this is a US statistic, the same decline in enthusiasm can be noticed in public schools all over the world. Mrs Glou-Maré Poggenpoel, Head: Guidance Centre, stressed that through careful, focused education, the level of enthusiasm and creativity of learners cán be sustained throughout schooling.

What does the Deep Learning Lab entail? It emphasises that deep learning can only take place when learners are in a ready-state of mind to learn. It aims at having teachers recognise that some learners arrive at school without the readiness to learn. Furthermore, deep commitment is made to the development of the whole brain child (as strengthened by the work of The Mind Moves Institute by Dr Melodie de Jager under the mentorship of our own guidance councillor and Advanced Mind Moves Instructor, Mrs Glou-Maré Poggenpoel). Mind Moves is crucial in the aiding of the Deep Learning Lab. “The correlation between the physical integration and emotional upliftment opens the mind to engage in learning,” Mrs Poggenpoel explained. She added that, in order to implement the Deep Learning Lab, the brain must be wholly developed and integrated to process information received on a daily basis.

The Deep Learning Lab therefore aims at engaging learners in “deep thinking” to develop problem solving skills, and doing more activities in the outdoors. As Dr Keller puts it, “Deep learning occurs when we go outside to connect inside”. Furthermore, this innovation aims at using global competencies to engage in issues, not only rigid structures. Of equal importance, it is aimed to make the walls of the school transparent by not only redesigning the space, but by considering how we connect inside and outside the classroom. In addition, it is also believed that deep learning occurs when teachers “connect”, not “correct”. All these abovementioned principles are being explored for implementation.

In addition to the Deep Learning Lab, Dr Keller shared the five pillars for integration: categories, relationships, orders, patterns and symbols (CROPS). It was made clear that the brain does not process in subjects, but in the aforementioned pillars according to the research of Ecuadorian Dr Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa. “At WBPHS we shall continue watering, fertilising, pruning and caring our fields for the best possible yield of CROPS to be reaped,” Mrs Poggenpoel told Die Orakel.

With respect to the abovementioned innovations, one must also consider John Bowlby’s attachment theory for schools. A person who feels he/she belongs, immediately feels safe and is ready to learn. The school’s theme for 2019 is “BELONG – BELIEVE – BECOME”. Mrs Poggenpoel stressed that for effective learning one must feel safe in one’s school environment. “If the survival brain kicks in, we only react in three different ways: flight, fight or freeze. This mind-set is not conducive to learning due to the chemical changes taking place in the brain,” she explained.

Walvis Bay Private High School remains committed to adapting itself to meet the needs of the 21st-century child.

Photo captions:

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Walvis Bay Private High School teaching staff at the Professional Learning Community training session hosted by Dr Gavin Keller on 9 to 10 May 2019. Photo: Gavin Keller

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Teaching staff at the Professional Learning Community training session hosted by Dr Gavin Keller on 9 to 10 May 2019 in the Tom Swemmer Hall. Photo: Madalé van Deventer

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Dr. Gavin Keller explaining the importance of “engaging” learners

Photo: Madalé van Deventer