AUTHENTIC LEARNING

“In education, the term authentic learning refers to a wide variety of

educational and instructional techniques focused on connecting what students
are taught in school to real-world issues, problems, and applications. The basic
idea is that students are more likely to be interested in what they are learning,
more motivated to learn new concepts and skills, and better prepared to
succeed in college, careers, and adulthood if what they are learning mirrors
real-life contexts, equips them with practical and useful skills, and addresses
topics that are relevant and applicable to their lives outside of school.”
-Glossary of Education Reform
 Four Themes of Authentic Learning
1. Real-world problems
2. Ill-defined problems; involves critical thinking
3. Discourse in a community of learners
4. Student-directed learning
 Real-World Problems
• Buying versus Leasing, and making other
important investments
• Pollution, water quality, air quality
• How the Constitution applies to modern-day
issues
• Reading maps and bus schedules
• Sexism and the objectification of women in
media
 Ill-Defined Problems & Critical Thinking

Defined Problems (Traditional) Ill-Defined Problems (Authentic)

• 7x – 4 = 24 (Solve for X)
• Who was the 17th President of the
United States?
• Write a book report on Moby Dick
• What is the chemical formula for
water?
• Choosing a wise investment
• What effects did the 17th President
have on the nation?
• Create your own portfolio
• Lake Mead is receding
 Discourse in a Community of Learners
• Science students working and sharing information with actual scientists
• Math students going over numbers with bankers
• Education students collaborating to learn how to prepare and use lesson
plans
 Student-Directed Learning
(What do YOU want to know?)
• Students choose problems
• Students choose path to solution
• Teacher guides and supports
• Personalizes learning
• Makes learning RELEVANT
• Empowering students increases
their motivation (DUH!)
AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN ACTION
 THANK YOU!!!

“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but

direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you
may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar
bent of the genius of each.”
- Plato