What is Entangled Learning?
Entangled Learning is self-designed learning in which people work collaboratively to learn in an area of interest and common practice and to document and reflect upon their experiences. Entangled learners are empowered to ask their own questions in communities engaged in discovery around a question, a problem, or a pursuit. In this model, individuals develop a culture within their community of learners. They generate knowledge, explore relationships, discover how to support each other’s learning, and link their learning to shared values.
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Entangled Learners ask their own questions, learn collaboratively, practice what they learn, and reflect upon and document their learning.
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Below you will find resources describing Entangled Learning in its original (2015) and revised (2019) iterations, including an illustration of the model, practical applications, a video module, a one-page summary sheet, and the white paper that explains why Entangled Learning is so important.
EL2 (2019)
Illustration of the Framework
Summary Sheet
Sample EL Action Plan
Sample Assignment with EL as Pedagogy
Introduction to EL
Three sectors of actions around design symbolize the unity of the Entangled Learning framework. The inner ring represents individual actions, while collaborative learning is represented in the outer ring. Words around the rim indicate specific processes or areas of knowing.
Entangled Learning supports self-directed learning both as a structure to scaffold an individual's learning around goals, actions, and evaluation criteria and as a process or pedagogy for facilitators to design learning spaces around outcomes, curriculum, and assessment.
This one-page sheet summarizes and defines the Entangled Learning model. It explains what it means to be an "entangled" learner and provides contact information for the developers.
Like a productivity planner for learning, the EL Action Plan provides structure for designing one's learning by identifying individual and collaborative actions in each area of the framework. Self-regulation can be tracked and documented. Additional sheets provide space to shape and evaluate the quality of the learning by describing techniques and metrics for use in the plan-do-check-act cycle.
Teachers serve as guides and mentors with EL as the pedagogy. This sample assignment shows how EL can function as a process for facilitating self-directed learning within the context of a course and its learning outcomes. Teachers create the environment and identify a range of resources for learners to choose as they design their approach to the content.
EL1 (2015)
Illustration of the model
The image of interlocking spheres illustrates our model. Learning design creates interaction among a cycle of documented deep learning in communities of practice as individuals engage in practice-based activities. This design creates the system we call Entangled Learning.
Video module
This engaging video module explains Entangled Learning in an accessible question-and-answer format and is suitable for use in introducing EL to students. Clemson University's Creative Inquiry Program generously supported production of this video.
Summary Sheet
This one-page sheet summarizes and defines the Entangled Learning model. It includes a concise breakdown of each of the interlocking spheres and a clarifying statement about the goals of the Entangled Learning model.
Entangled Learning: An Overview
This white paper asserts the importance of Entangled Learning, defines the model, offers suggestions for designing and entangling one's learning, and presents a vision of a possible future for Entangled Learning.