The Learning by Design & Multiliteracies

Main idea

The Learning by Design pedagogy uses eight ‘Knowledge Processes’. A Knowledge Process is an activity type which represents a distinct way of making knowledge and of learning.

Main objectives

As designers of learning environments, teachers can choose any mix and ordering of Knowledge Processes. The purpose of indicating the Knowledge Process underlying each activity is to prompt teachers to think explicitly about the most appropriate range and sequence of learning activities for their students and subject matter.

How is it used? (environment, target groups, premises, facilities, etc)

Teachers use the Knowledge Processes as prompts to design, document and deploy their learning programs. We call the mindful and considered use of these Knowledge processes ‘Learning-by-Design’.In this context, the teacher becomes a reflective designer of learning experiences (teacher-as-designer); and classroom plans become shareable ‘designs-for-learning’. Mindful and appropriate deployment of the range of Knowledge Processes is intended to foster higher order thinking skills and deeper learning.

When, where and by whom was it created?

Created by Calantzis & Cope in Greece 2011 to 2016