Designing for Depth

Designing for Depth: A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation

Differentiate your classroom by designing experiences instead of writing lessons plans with Designing for Depth in the Classroom: A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation.

Addressing the specific needs of countless learners doesn’t have to be overwhelming and unsustainable! I wrote this book to guide educators through a fresh mindset and process for designing meaningful experiences that leave learners engaged, empowered, and motivated to move from surface-level learning to deep understanding.

With practical strategies, advice, and examples imparted in a refreshing conversational tone, this valuable resource is required reading for all educators interested in challenging and exciting their students in a meaningful and manageable way.

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Direction of Depth

The Direction of Depth Framework helps educators and learners move beyond surface-level understanding by thinking about how learning can grow and deepen in different ways. The four directions, Explore, Expand, Examine, and Evolve, represent intentional ways to engage with ideas more meaningfully.

Explore invites learners to experience new ideas through investigation and curiosity-driven learning.

Expand encourages connecting ideas across disciplines to develop a broader and deeper understanding.

Examine focuses on analyzing details, thinking critically, and reflecting on meaning.

Evolve challenges learners to build on prior knowledge, adapt their thinking, and apply what they’ve learned in new ways.

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Direction of Depth Question Cards

The Direction of Depth Question cards a great way to add depth to any classroom or learning experience.

Direction of Depth Question Cards are a simple way to encourage learners to think deeply and make important connections using the verbs EXPLORE, EXPAND, EXAMINE, and EVOLVE.

Direction of Depth Question Cards are a simple yet powerful tool designed to help learners think more deeply and meaningfully about what they’re learning. Using the four verbs, Explore, Expand, Examine, and Evolve, the cards prompt curiosity, critical thinking, and reflection. Each question encourages learners to move beyond surface understanding, make important connections, and engage with content in ways that promote depth, creativity, and growth. Whether used in whole-group discussions, small groups, or independent learning, these cards make it easy to bring deeper thinking into everyday learning experiences.

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