Anchored learning is a teaching technique developed by John D. Bransford and the Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt University to use technology-driven videos as a shared learning experience for students. The videos introduce topics through problem-solving scenarios that provide basic vocabulary and discussion points. Teachers then facilitate discussion and activities as students work in groups to solve the problem, applying the embedded information and transferring their knowledge across curriculums. The process involves students analyzing the important information from the anchor video, developing a process to solve the presented problem, and discussing the pros and cons of their solution.

1. Anchored Learning

2. Who did it?
 John D. Bransford
and the Cognition and
Technology Group at
Vanderbilt University.
 To develop and
design technology-
driven lessons

3. What is it?
 Presented as problem-solving videos
 Create a shared experience for students (the
anchor)
 Videos introduce the topic, basic vocabulary and
specific points to discuss
 Teachers follow up with lectures, facilitated
discussion and activities as the students solve the
problem

4. 7 Rules of Anchored
Learning
1. Generative Learning
2. Technology based
3. Meaningful
4. Problem Complexity
5. Embedded Data
6. Knowledge Transfer
7. Cross-curriculum Learning

5. Process
 Instructor shows the anchor
 Anchor provides the problem and the information
necessary to solve the problem
 Students work in groups
 Need to decide which of the information provided is
important for solving the problem
 Need to decide on a process to solve the problem
 Need to discuss the pros and cons of the solution

6. How is it used?

7. Anchored
Learning
• A teaching
technique
• Rules of Structure
• The Adventures
of Jasper
Woodbury