Supplying a more authentic context for learning increases the chance that a lesson will be remembered and can be used in other similar situations. This finding suggests students need more real-world problem solving, internships or apprenticeships in real work settings, and other more authentic learning experiences to make learning last and be useful.”
21st Century Skills: Learning Life in Our Times by Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel
Today's Workshop
Think of all the ways our world has changed in just the past generation. We’ve seen technology transform the way we communicate, collaborate, entertain ourselves, make a living, and more. Most aspects of modern life are evolving at an exponential rate.
With that in mind, the mission of schools in preparing students for our ever-changing world has also evolved. One of the challenges facing education in this modern era is shifting the focus from content acquisition to applying knowledge and skills in authentic (real-world) contexts.
Nipmuc is a school that is further along this journey than most. In addition to adopting and implementing our Portrait of a Learner, we’ve spent years focusing on authentic learning. In today’s workshop, we’ll build off our progress and strengths to explore a collaborative process to “level-up” some of the most powerful moments of learning at our school to make them even more connected to the world beyond our campus.
With that in mind, the mission of schools in preparing students for our ever-changing world has also evolved. One of the challenges facing education in this modern era is shifting the focus from content acquisition to applying knowledge and skills in authentic (real-world) contexts.
Nipmuc is a school that is further along this journey than most. In addition to adopting and implementing our Portrait of a Learner, we’ve spent years focusing on authentic learning. In today’s workshop, we’ll build off our progress and strengths to explore a collaborative process to “level-up” some of the most powerful moments of learning at our school to make them even more connected to the world beyond our campus.
Common Language: What is authentic learning?
Authentic learning is a topic that we've been exploring in depth over the course of recent years. In a previous Lead Learner Workshop, we asked the question, "What types of words would you expect to find in a definition of authentic learning?" The answers in the word cloud on the right captured the essence of the term.
As a school community, we engaged in a deeper exploration of these terms. We decided to build Nipmuc's definition of authentic learning based on the article "9 Ways to Make Student Work More Authentic" by Michael Niehoff. |
Over the past two years, we've used specific strategies to emphasize these elements in our work. The feedback we received was that the definition made sense but the process needed some help. The tool we've used the last two years was too spread out, too cumbersome, and not easy to use regularly. With that in mind, this year we've worked with the Applied Learning Leadership Institute to design a tool and protocol to build off the strengths of our school and design authentic learning experiences. Let's see where our progress has taken us.
Authentic Learning Tool and Process
Included below you'll see our updated tool. Let's review some key features and information.
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Practicing the Protocol
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Upon entering today's workshop, everyone received a piece of paper with one of the elements of authenticity and one of our driving beliefs. In order to break into groups, your challenge is to build a team that represents all nine elements of authenticity. When you have assembled, you should had nine group members who each represent a different element. Ready... find your group!
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Now that you've found your groups, let's try the protocol together. Here are some key points:
- Each group will be led by a department chair.
- Each group will need approximately 5 participants (in addition to the department chair).
- Those who are not participating in the protocol will be asked to observe and capture notes.
- The protocols will take place in different classrooms. (see below) When we are done, we will return to the PDC to process this together.
Feedback
Click on the button below to share your feedback about the authenticity tool and/or leveling up process.