Authentic Teaching
Authentic Teaching refers to learning
that is genuine and connected rather than something that is fake and fragmented.
Teachers who practice authentically help students connect learning to life. They
judge students not by a test but by the quality of their lives. Authentic
teaching actively engages students in developing new understandings and
knowledge.
It connects teaching and learning to tasks and products that students see as
having a value beyond the classroom. For example, one middle school class turned
what many people consider a nuisance–thousands of birds in their chimneys–into a
science project. Teachers realized that nature had provided that project one day
when what looked like smoke billowing from the chimney turned out to be a dense
cloud of birds. The teachers used the birds’ visit as a lesson in scientific
method and environmental education. Students became junior researchers clocking
the birds’ schedules, habits and characteristics. They contacted a Cornell
University ornithologist by e-mail and logged meteorological data to detect any
connection between the weather and their bird counts.
Researchers found that students learn more when teachers teach authentically;
pursue a clear, shared purpose for all students’ learning; engage in
collaborative activities to achieve that purpose; and take collective
responsibility for student learning (Newmann & Wehlage, 1995; Newmann &
Associates, 1996).
Authentic Teaching Articles:
Overview of Technology and Education Reform (U.S. Department of Education)
The use of technology can contribute to effective learning opportunities for
students. From nine case study sites, researchers found technology contributes
to the goals of educational reform by: involving students in authentic,
challenging tasks; students and teachers being involved in new roles;
contributes to the professionalism of teachers; and, supports a learning culture
in and outside of the classroom. The overview discusses authentic uses of
technology as illustrated by the nine case study sites.
Technology and Constructivist Learning (North Central Regional Educational
Laboratory)
Technology can serve as a tool to motivate students to be engaged in their
learning. In Technology and Constructivist Learning, Means found when technology
is used to enhance project-oriented learning, the products take on new meaning
and depth.
Critical Issue: Providing Hands-On, Minds-On, and Authentic Learning Experiences
in Mathematics (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
Critical Issue: Providing Hands-On, Minds-On, and Authentic Learning Experiences
in Science (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
In today's science and mathematics classrooms, instructional strategies are
needed that provide students with experiences through which knowledge is
constructed. Students are being asked to be problem solvers applying their
learning to the world in which they live. The North Central Regional Education
Laboratory website has links to two articles that provide: a description of the
issue; an overview; goals; action options for students, teachers,
administrators, and parents and community member; implementation pitfalls;
different points of view; illustrative cases, and contact information.
Technology:
Science As Inquiry: Active Learning, Project-Based, Web-Assisted, and Active
Assessment Strategies to Enhance Student Learning (1999)
Brings together a variety of teaching strategies and problem-oriented projects
that let students experience the inquiry process and excitement of science. An
inspiring addition to any science program, Science as Inquiry provides fresh
ideas and approaches, plus active learning opportunities, and web-assisted,
project-based assessment strategies. For Grades 5-8.
Teaching With Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms (1997)
Addresses teachers' perennial concerns: teacher learning and teacher belief
about instructional change; redefining student and teacher roles; maintaining
student engagement; reducing teacher isolation; managing the technology-rich
classroom; and support for instructional change from school principals, school
districts, technology trainers and colleagues.
Classroom of the Future
NASA's premier research and development program for educational technologies.
Develops and conducts research on technology-based learning materials that
challenge students to solve problems by using datasets and other information
resources provided by the five strategic enterprises of NASA: Aero-Space
Technology, Human Exploration and Development of Space, Earth Science
Enterprise, Space Science, and Biological and Physical Research. Helps develop
reports that present information and insights to help institutions and
individuals use computers, video, and telecommunications more effectively for
teaching and learning.
TechTactics: Instructional Models for Educational Computing (2002)
Focuses on specific tools (e.g. spreadsheet, web, word processor) and what can
be done with them in a classroom setting. Provides "hands-on" guidance on how to
effectively use such tools to produce quality work.
Authentic Teaching Rubric
Action Plan Example for Practice 2:
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