Authentic Learning presented by Brianna Hellinger

Authentic learning is an instructional model that focuses on “connecting what students are taught in school to real world issues, problems, and applications” (Great Schools Partnership, n.d.). The goal with this type of learning is that not only will students be more interested in what they are learning, but that they will also be more motivated to learn. Furthermore, in mirroring real life concepts, Authentic learning instruction gives students practical skills that will aide them in life outside of school (Great Schools Partnership, n.d). Authentic learning is most closely related to Constructivism.  The Constructivist theory “posits that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing the world, and reflecting on those experiences” (Harasim, 2012, p. 60). Both this theory and the Authentic learning model call for students to learn by doing. Their “doing” is then reflected on and in the end will hopefully serve to give the students practical skills that can be transferred beyond the immediate learning situation. 

                    When and How to Use It: 

There is no academic subject that the Authentic learning model cannot be used in.  The following idea mixes math, technology, and life management skills.

               Authentic learning lesson Idea: 

Students will be given a monthly income based on the average monthly income of a non college graduate. They will also be given a monthly income based on the average monthly income of a college graduate. Students will then need to research the cost of living expenses in their area; this includes things like housing, utilities, average amount of money spent on food, gas, car payment, car insurance, etc. Next, they will need to create a “life” based on each monthly income and display them on an Excel spreadsheet. Finally, they will need to present this information to the class in an oral presentation. (This activity can also be done in groups).

This lesson does not only require students to use technology, math, life management skills, public speaking skills, and possibly collaborative group skills, but teaches financial planning skills that can be transferred into real life situations outside of school. Furthermore, it shows the monetary value in going to college after high school versus not going to college. 

                 Helpful and Interesting Links

1. In the following video, Jan Herrington describes characteristics of authentic learning tasks and provides excellent authentic lesson example ideas. Such ideas include having students plan a trip to Italy instead of doing simple language and vocabulary exercises and recreating and filming a Shakespearian play using modern day language and setting.

                           Authentic Learning Video: "It's the Task that Matters Most”

2. In an attempt to help students learn the realities of having children, a parenting class at a Kentucky high school has students wear a pregnancy belly and take care of computerized dolls. (Click hyperlink below for full story.)The computer chip inside the doll keeps track of how often the baby is neglected, hungry, or abused. This Authentic learning practice serves as a strong eye opener for students; “since taking the class, several students have expressed that they want to wait to have sex and to have children” ("A preview of parenthood - News - Bowling Green Daily News", 2012).

   News article: "A preview of parenthood: WCHS class uses pregnancy suit, interactive dolls to educate students about child rearing"

3. The following link gives ideas for "real world" Authentic leaning project ideas
 

                      Guest Lesson | For Authentic Learning, Start With Real Problems

4. The following link presents a recycling project that crosses multiple disciplines and teaches students firsthand how they can play a part in helping with a real world problem.

    

                       Guest Lesson | Recycling as a Focus for Project-Based Learning

                                  References

A preview of parenthood - News - Bowling Green Daily News. (2012, March 16). Retrieved June 13, 2014, from http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/a-preview-of-parenthood/article_e1f43d79-f39b-53df-aa6e-005a4d81e29e.html?mode=jqm

Great Schools Partnership (n.d.). Authentic Learning Definition - The Glossary of Education Reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/authentic-learning/

Harasim, L. M. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. New York, NY: Routledge.