Spring 2026 | Beyond Surface Level: Understanding Depth of Learning Through Heat Maps

What does it truly mean for students to learn deeply, and how can institutions tell the difference between surface recall and lasting, transferable mastery? In this episode, we examine how data visualization tools, particularly heat maps, help academic leaders and assessment professionals uncover patterns in student learning that traditional reports often miss. We're joined by Drs Bobbijo Pinnelli, Amy Hillbelink, and Jay Kahl, the Department of Program Assessment (DPA) team at Walden University, for a conversation exploring how depth of learning shows up across curricula, where it commonly breaks down, and what institutions can do to strengthen learning progression. Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series, powered by the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring Excellence → tinyurl.com/flc-series