Authentic Learning
Historically, Authentic Learning might be compared to the early concepts of apprenticeships (Lombardi, 2007). However, as learning has evolved into more classroom style education, the benefit of providing opportunities to practice real world skills still remains.
Many educators are now promoting Authentic Activities as a transition to student centered learning styles and goals. Authentic Activities give students "portable skills" such as: 1.The judgment to distinguish reliable from unreliable information 2.The patience to follow longer arguments 3.The synthetic ability to recognize relevant patterns in unfamiliar contexts 4.The flexibility to work across disciplinary and cultural boundaries to generate innovative solutions (Lombardi, 2007) |
Characteristics of Authentic Activities
There are many different types of Authentic Activities: (this is just a few of them!)
1. Role Play/Simulations 2. Problem solving activities 3. Service learning activities 4. Experiments 5. Using technological components/media/internet - such as create a blog, newsletter, computer program 6. Debate 7. Write letters to politicians (Ormrod, 2012, p 333) Using Authentic Activities is becoming more widespread in education - even with web-based learning. There are some common themes of Authentic Activities: 1. Real world relevance - similar to tasks that may be encountered later 2. Ill defined tasks - learners must identify tasks needed to complete tasks 3. Complex tasks - these projects take time to complete 4. Multiple perspectives - requires different views and resources to complete 5. Collaborative - encourages cooperation - a real world concept 6. Values - requires individual reflection on beliefs and values 7. Interdisciplinary - requires meshing of knowledge from many sources 8. Assessment - should match the real world version of assessment 9. Completed task - should be able to stand alone upon completion 10. Multiple outcomes - no single correct answer (Reeves, Herrington & OIiver, 2002) |