Authentic Learning. |
Authentic learning can be the guide to not only make learning more real but also more maximized and optimal for all learners. In a world where authenticity is often elusive in everything from our food to our entertainment, we are now holding our teaching and learning to a new standard of authenticity."
~Michael Niehoff, "9 Ways to Make Student Work More Authentic"
Authentic Learning
There is no single template or recipe that can be followed in order to create a powerful learning experience. Meaningful learning experiences are responsive to the learners who explore them. They change with each curiosity, question, passion, and interest.
With that said, when students and teachers examine high-impact lessons, units, assessments, and experiences - they are able to identify common characteristics of these experiences. This was the experience of our Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning Team in the 2020-2021 school year. Throughout the year, we worked together to explore how to "level up" learning experiences to make them as powerful as possible. Time and again, we found ourselves returning to the concept of "authenticity" as a foundational element of powerful learning.
In today's Lead Learner Workshop, we will explore this element. Beyond that, we are excited to be joined by the Media Center Redesign Committee. They will not only lend their ideas to our work but also consider how the resources of the library media center can support authenticity.
With that said, when students and teachers examine high-impact lessons, units, assessments, and experiences - they are able to identify common characteristics of these experiences. This was the experience of our Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning Team in the 2020-2021 school year. Throughout the year, we worked together to explore how to "level up" learning experiences to make them as powerful as possible. Time and again, we found ourselves returning to the concept of "authenticity" as a foundational element of powerful learning.
In today's Lead Learner Workshop, we will explore this element. Beyond that, we are excited to be joined by the Media Center Redesign Committee. They will not only lend their ideas to our work but also consider how the resources of the library media center can support authenticity.
What do we mean by authentic learning?
Educational jargon can sometimes get in the way of progress in our schools. It's important that we are intentional with our language and that we have a shared understanding of terms. With that in mind, let's take our first steps toward building a common definition of authentic learning. Turn to the person next to you and talk about what you think the term authentic learning means.
When you're ready, click on the button below to answer the poll question, "What three words/terms would you use in a definition of authentic learning?
When you're ready, click on the button below to answer the poll question, "What three words/terms would you use in a definition of authentic learning?
9 Ways to Make Student Work More Authentic
With only a few minutes of conversation and collaboration, we can quickly build a rough definition of authentic learning. The answers above highlight what we already know about authenticity. While we're off to a great start, we're not alone in this work. A great deal of research and study has been devoted to this topic. In today's session, we will explore a clear and simple resource that will help us gain a deeper understanding of authentic learning.
Michael Niehoff's article "9 Ways to Make Student Work More Authentic" breaks down the components of authenticity. During the next few minutes, we'll work in groups to explore this resource and capture some of the key ideas. The instructions are as follows:
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Authenticity & Engagement at Nipmuc
Earlier this year, faculty members worked together to identify some of the most engaging learning experiences that take place in each department. Student engagement "refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught, which extends to the level of motivation they have to learn and progress in their education." (Glossary of Ed Reform)
When we think about this definition, it's easy to see that engaging learning experiences at Nipmuc already include many of the 9 elements of authentic learning that we just explored. In this last collaborative activity of the workshop, you will work with your partners to identify the authenticity in these experiences. |
During this activity:
- Select some of the engaging experience cards.
- Working with a partner, discuss the element of authenticity that is most evident in the example.
- Post your example in the appropriate category.
Exit Ticket: Supporting Authentic Learning
As we get ready to conclude this brief exploration of authentic learning, work with your elbow partner to complete the following prompts:
- A specific type of professional development that would be helpful for teachers is...
- A resource that can help us to expand authentic learning is...
- What should the media center redesign committee consider as we plan these types of learning experiences?