Beyond Coverage: Designing Learning for Understanding & Transfer with Jay McTighe

What this episode covers

In this episode, I chat with Jay McTighe about Stage 3 of Understanding by Design and what it really means to create learning experiences that move beyond content coverage toward understanding and transfer. We unpack the different types of learning goals related to acquisition, understanding, and transfer, and explore how those goals should shape both the teacher’s role and the student experience in the classroom. Our conversation also examines the ongoing pressure schools feel to “cover” large volumes of content in preparation for standardized exams, and why that mindset can work against deeper learning. Jay shares practical insights into formative assessment, feedback, and the use of authentic performance tasks as opportunities for learning, not simply evaluation. We also discuss how AI can support both teachers and students in designing richer learning experiences, clarifying goals, and creating more responsive pathways. Check out Jay’s Work https://jaymctighe.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymctighe Teaching for Deeper Learning Related Resources 8 Quick Checks for Understanding How to Provide Better Feedback Through Rubrics Instructional Shifts to Support Deep Learning You Can Teach for Meaning Making the Most of Professional Learning Communities

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