3+Authentic+Learning

**Authentic Learning: Make it Meaningful and Relevant **

According to Friesen (2010), students want to engage in learning that involves real problem solving, is connected to other issues, and leaves them feeling that they can make a difference. Such learning is best labelled **authentic,** and will be the focus of this section.

Although definitions of authentic learning may vary slightly, dominant themes are apparent. Lombardi (2007) defines authentic learning as learning that "focuses on real-world, complex problems and their solutions, using role-playing exercises, problem-based activities, case studies, and participation in virtual communities of practice" (p. 2). Similarly, Lebow (1993) described authentic learning as "experiences of personal relevance that permit learners to practice skills in environments similar to those in which the skills will be used" (as cited in Woo, Herrington, Agostinho, & Reeves, 2007, p. 1).
 * // What is Authentic Learning? //**

//** Principles of Authentic Learning **//

Lombardi (2007) has concluded that research on authentic learning finds that the characteristics of authentic learning can be summarized in a checklist of 10 elements, all of which can be adapted to any subject matter.
 * //Real-world relevance//
 * //Ill-defined problem//
 * //Sustained investigation//
 * //Multiple sources and perspectives//
 * // Collaboration //
 * //Reflection (metacognition)//
 * //Interdisciplinary perspective//
 * //Integrated assessment//
 * //Polished products//
 * //Multiple interpretations and outcomes//


 * // Designing Authentic Learning //**

Friesen (2009), in her “Teaching Effectiveness Framework”, points out that <span style="color: #231f20; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">the work teachers design for students needs to be “personally relevant and connected to the worlds in which they live, both in and outside of school” (p. 5).

Teachers can use <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">“Effective Teaching Practices Rubric” below to assess whether the work they have designed is in fact //authentic.//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">

**// Examples of Authentic Learning in Action //**

Examples of authentic learning in action are abundant in our classrooms today. The video below highlights one school in Southern Alberta that engaged students in a partnership with local First Nations people, as a part of Alberta Education's "Emerge" 1-to-1 Laptop Project.

media type="custom" key="6254213" align="center"

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In addition, the Galileo Network, [|www.galileo.org], is a fabulous resource for teachers looking to incorporate engaging authentic tasks into their classrooms. Below are direct links for three examples of authentic tasks undertaken in Alberta classrooms:

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.8pt;">- Stories and Spaces – <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.8pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.8pt;">- Archaeology – <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.8pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.8pt;">- Naming The West – <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.8pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;">[]

**// Authentic Learning for 21st Century Learners //** Students need an education that is real and meaningful. With the dominance of social media, and specifically, social networking sites, authentic learning is essential if we are to truly engage students in our classes.

The graphic below illustrates the power of social media:

[]