Rigor Redefined: Ten Teaching Habits for Surface, Deep, and Transfer Learning (Enables Students to Take Ownership of Their Learning Process)

High-quality teaching balances knowing, connecting, and applying core knowledge. This enables students to take ownership of their learning process. Using ten learning habits paired with practical tools and relevant templates, teachers can implement rigorous instruction in small and doable ways that drive student learning and create a lasting impact. Discover how to connect the dots between surface learning, deep learning, and transfer learning.

• Create a schedule for habits to ensure routines are employed often and at optimal times
• Understand the connections among surface learning, deep learning, and transfer learning with elementary and secondary examples
• Learn various routines for each of the ten habits—the four learner quality habits and the six learning process habits
• Distinguish between declarative, procedural, and contextual knowledge

Michael McDowell, EdD, has been a public school educator for the past eighteen years, serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades, including the National Blue Ribbon Award, which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. McDowell serves on numerous boards, served as a college professor, and worked for nonprofit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored best-selling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Offering keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.