The Deep Learning Dilemma: Why Higher Education Needs to Rethink Thinking

We don’t like to think.

That may be blunt, but it’s the truth. Our brains are wired for autopilot – to take the path of least resistance and avoid cognitive overload whenever possible. That works just fine when we’re navigating familiar routines. But in higher education, where critical thinking and deep learning should be the endgame, it becomes a real problem.

Today’s students aren’t just expected to absorb knowledge, they’re expected to apply it, adapt it, and transfer it to new contexts. That’s the essence of deep learning: integrating new concepts with existing knowledge to solve problems creatively. And yet, more often than not, surface-level learning sneaks in, undermining this mission.

Why deep learning matters more than ever

In an era when AI tools can write essays, summarise articles, and analyse data in seconds, students risk outsourcing the very skills education is supposed to develop. While tech can supercharge productivity, it also tempts us to skip the thinking part altogether. The risk? A generation proficient in tools but lacking in critical reasoning, independent thought, and meaningful learning.

For higher education institutions, this isn’t just a pedagogical challenge but a mission-critical one. Universities and educators must empower students to not only retain information but to use it flexibly in real-world situations. That’s how we prepare them for a world where adaptability is currency.

The deep learning gap in today’s classrooms

One of the biggest hurdles? The persistent “instructionalism” culture, where teaching still too often means content delivery rather than learning facilitation. When students are passive recipients of information, deep learning doesn’t stand a chance.

Add to that the practical constraints: overloaded faculties, massive class sizes, and the increasing complexity of student needs. Even with the best intentions, many educators end up defaulting to traditional, content-heavy approaches – leaving students to make sense of it all on their own.

Technology: Tool or crutch?

Technology holds huge promise, but only if used with purpose. The history of educational tech shows us that tools alone don’t transform learning – it’s how we use them that counts. From the printing press to AI, every breakthrough has expanded possibilities. Yet, if we simply digitise outdated methods, we’re missing the point.

At Mentimeter, we believe technology should amplify participation, spark dialogue, and support meaningful reflection. It’s not about replacing thinking – it’s about making thinking visible. Used right, tools like Mentimeter can help educators foster active learning, even in the largest of lecture halls.

Practical ways to foster deep learning

We’ve seen firsthand how small changes in approach can have a big impact. Here are five ways educators can start shifting the needle in the classroom:

Slow down the quizzes: Not every quiz has to be a race. Giving students time to reflect before answering encourages deeper thinking and nudges them out of autopilot.
Ask open ended questions: Encourage students to articulate their thoughts. Open-ended questions help them connect new ideas to what they already know, strengthening conceptual frameworks.
Pair with case studies: Integrate case-based discussions with interactive polls or reflections. This approach makes learning contextual and relevant.
Use feedback loops: Collect anonymous input on understanding and adjust teaching accordingly. It shows students that their voices shape the learning experience.
Leverage AI for good: Use AI to generate discussion prompts or quiz questions based on your teaching material – freeing up time for meaningful engagement.

Deep learning is a culture, not a checklist

At the heart of all this lies a shift in mindset. Deep learning thrives when students feel safe to express uncertainty, when mistakes are normalised, and when participation isn’t optional but expected. It’s about creating a learning culture that values curiosity over correctness, dialogue over monologue, and reflection over regurgitation.

This is only the beginning

We’ve only scratched the surface here. If you’re as curious as we are about fostering deep learning – and making technology a true partner in that mission – we invite you to dive deeper.

Download our full guide on deep learning in higher education

In it, we unpack the research, explore real-world examples, and share actionable insights on how you can help students move from passive receivers to active participants in their own learning journey.

👉 Get the full guide here

Because thinking is hard. But learning how to think? That’s everything.

Written for OEB Global 2025 by Mentimeter.

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