Related Theories
Authentic Activities are related to several theorists and learning theories.
1. Constructivist Theories speak to the idea that learners need to make sense of the world around them, and this process includes adding and building knowledge, and then organizing it so it can be applied. Authentic Activities can help provide opportunities for learners to get these hands-on experiences that facilitate this process
2. Jean Piaget, a Swiss developmentalist, believed that learners were inherently curious and want to learn about their world, and that experiences in learning help them make sense of their world (Ormond, 2012, p 291). Providing the real-world activities of Authentic Learning help learners utilize the assimilation and accommodation concepts of Piaget's theories to make sense of the world around them.
3. Lev Vygotsky, a Russian developmental psychologist, strongly believed that guided and assisted learning helps students obtain new goals and adapt what they are learning within the context of their own world or culture. Vygotsky believed that instructors could help learners attach meaning to the knowledge obtained- and knowledge with meaning is often more applicable and retainable. In Authentic Activities, opportunities exist for the instructors to help learners make those connections between knowledge, cultural application, meaning and problem solving.
4. Adult Learning Theory, also known as Andragogy, developed by Malcolm Knowles, is based on the idea that adult motivation to learn is deeply tied to the concepts of application and personal relevance (DeYoung, 2009, p 23). Therefore, Authentic Activities, where real world application and usefulness is highlighted, can be a very effective means to provide meaningful education to adult learners.
1. Constructivist Theories speak to the idea that learners need to make sense of the world around them, and this process includes adding and building knowledge, and then organizing it so it can be applied. Authentic Activities can help provide opportunities for learners to get these hands-on experiences that facilitate this process
2. Jean Piaget, a Swiss developmentalist, believed that learners were inherently curious and want to learn about their world, and that experiences in learning help them make sense of their world (Ormond, 2012, p 291). Providing the real-world activities of Authentic Learning help learners utilize the assimilation and accommodation concepts of Piaget's theories to make sense of the world around them.
3. Lev Vygotsky, a Russian developmental psychologist, strongly believed that guided and assisted learning helps students obtain new goals and adapt what they are learning within the context of their own world or culture. Vygotsky believed that instructors could help learners attach meaning to the knowledge obtained- and knowledge with meaning is often more applicable and retainable. In Authentic Activities, opportunities exist for the instructors to help learners make those connections between knowledge, cultural application, meaning and problem solving.
4. Adult Learning Theory, also known as Andragogy, developed by Malcolm Knowles, is based on the idea that adult motivation to learn is deeply tied to the concepts of application and personal relevance (DeYoung, 2009, p 23). Therefore, Authentic Activities, where real world application and usefulness is highlighted, can be a very effective means to provide meaningful education to adult learners.