Learning Impact Mapping


What is Learning Impact Mapping?


Learning Impact Mapping is a dynamic learning design framework and evaluation methodology that enables learners, teachers and leaders to profile the mulitdimensional impact of learning.

Using a customised digital tool, the components and effects of learning as part of structured, semi-structured, embedded, or emergent processes are mapped and evidenced.

Learners, teachers and leaders can create plans for learning, retrospectively map and reflect upon the impact of learning, or prospectively map considering its potential.

The map is coordinated by two spectrums: the vertical axis relates to Agency as a spectrum in learning, defining who is directing the learning process; the horizontal axis relates to the spectrum of knowledge creation and exchange, defining who or what is the source of knowledge, skills, behaviours and practices.

The Agency Spectrum
Low levels of agency indicate that a learner is not directing the learning process (agency is extrinsic to the learner), whereas, high levels of agency indicate that a learner is fully directing the learning process (agency is intrinsic to the learner).

The Knowledge Exchange Spectrum
Likewise, when the source of knowledge and skills is external to a learner it is explicitly imparted to them (characterised by instructional teaching, for example), whereas, when the learner is the source of new knowledge and skills, it is implicitly derived by the learner or from their experience (characterised by an exploratory, inquiry led, emergent or embedded learning processes).




Different Kinds of Maps



















Crucially, learning impact mapping enables non-hierarchical and dynamic recognition of learning as a complex holistic process in highly personalised ways, allowing absolute uniformity to coexist dynamically with relative equivalence, as appropriate to each learner's irreducibly unique pattern of learning.

The MetaPraxis Project - 2019 - 2022

Learning Impact Mapping was introduced as part of the MetaPraxis Project, as a method to design and evaluate dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum and learning experiences. This project and its philosophy of learning is documented in Learning in a Floating World of Disciplines (see below), and on the MetaPraxis Website, featuring school narrative portfolios.


For a more detailed explanation of the Learning Impact Map, see the extended Synthesis chapter below.

Synthesis Chapter - Extended


The Learning Impact Project

The Learning Impact Project has extended the work of the MetaPraxis project, focusing on the development of alternative approaches to the recognition of holistic learning. In this work, I am also working as a Design Partner for Learning Creates Australia.

Hosted by the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA), the Learning Impact Project is working with fourteen schools in Adelaide to research the extent to which agency, dynamic capability and the quality of being (wellbeing as a spectrum rather than a fixed state) are mutually enabling.

Within this research schools are applying the learning impact mapping methodology as a way to coordinate and map the multidimensional impact of learning experiences. Students self-map and attach evidence / artefacts to each component or plot point, reflecting on the overall distribution and impact of multiple instances in combination, episodically and iteratively.






MetaPraxis CSE Paper

Expression of Interest

Please email with your details to receive updates about Learning Impact Mapping, or to express interest in presentations, workshops, or project participation.

Please email for further details michael@learningvectors.org

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