Which would make the most effective lesson: learning what an engineer does by reading a book, or by solving an actual engineering problem? The former is what we typically expect from our classrooms; the latter describes a learning-by-doing approach called authentic learning. The idea behind it is simple. Students feel more engaged and motivated to learn when they’re tackling real-world issues they care about. And as a result, they remember what they’ve learned so they can apply it more effectively in the future. But it’s more than delivering instruction about these kinds of problems. Authentic learning means getting involved – and getting hands-on! So let’s explore what, exactly, it means… and what authentic lesson planning ideas you can practice in your classroom. Think of authentic learning as real-life learning – the kind that comes from first-hand experience rather than a textbook or lecture. It emphasizes building meaningful skills, knowledge and behaviors that students might use in a real or simulated environment. And the end result is more than the sum of its parts: it’s a tangible outcome that can be shared with the world. Imagine these scenarios for your students: Not only are they engaging with the subject to create something tangible, but they’re also learning about everything involved in the experience: And at the same time, they’re building on their foundational skills – or achieving the standards set in their curriculum. Reading, writing, math, history… they’re all important elements in making authentic learning experiences come to life. So what makes authentic learning tick? We’ve gathered eight key principles you can use in your lesson planning: The whole premise of authentic learning is that students are more motivated to learn – and more engaged in that learning – when they’re doing something they care about. Something that impacts the world around them. When they care, they take ownership. When they take ownership, they turn in a high-quality result. And in doing so, that learning is more liable to stick around for the long-term, compared to short-term memory exercises or learning that gets abandoned once the final test is complete. This, proponents say, is how our minds are naturally primed to learn. But there’s a little more to it than that. Authentic learning closely aligns with the kinds of complex tasks that we do in real life. As such, it encourages students to think more deeply, consider different perspectives and outcomes, and recognize nuances that just aren’t present in math worksheets or multiple-choice drills. It builds portable skills that will serve students well in a fast-changing and unpredictable world. Complex communication skills like negotiation, for example, aren’t part of most lesson plans, but they’re necessary tools in most workplaces. Early exposure in a safe environment where students experiment and practice freely can help them succeed later on in adult life. It also allows students to try on different hats and figure out which ones fit best. One student may discover he or she has a knack for making videos; another may prefer to create spreadsheets and crunch numbers. Ideally, an authentic learning activity will provide enough breadth for students to try different things, and enough depth for them to dive in when their interests and strengths align. Building these kinds of skills doesn’t necessarily mean ditching instruction, lesson planning and curricula as we know them. Critics of authentic learning may point to learning standards and question how a school can cover them effectively in an authentic learning format, or argue that the “basics” will get left behind, displaced by all the tasks required in an authentic learning activity. However, teachers who integrate authentic learning in their lesson planning argue otherwise. In fact, they say, core standards and the “basics” of traditional learning happen more organically with an authentic approach. “The doing consolidates all the learning that went into the event,” writes authentic learning champion Steve Revington. First, not all learning needs to be authentic learning. If you’re just starting or if you need to change a few minds, start small with a single pilot learning event. But even a single project means injecting authentic planning activities into your lesson planning ideas. Perhaps technology is the focus of your authentic learning project; after all, students have done amazing things in STEM, from removing microplastics from wastewater to helping those with hearing impairments navigate the world. But technology plays an important supporting role in any authentic learning activity. For instance, your authentic planning activities may involve: Plus, using technology is part of authentic learning, because it’s such an ingrained part of our real world. Many jobs and everyday tasks require the use of digital tools in some way or another, so giving students time to explore and develop their skills with them now better prepares them for tomorrow’s future. Here’s the thing about the real world: sometimes, it gets messy. Our lives and experiences are filled with layers of nuance, and the correct path forward is rarely cut-and-dried. Rarely is there one “right” answer. We simply do our best, figuring things out by pulling on our previous knowledge, trying things out and evaluating where to go next. Each experience helps us to prepare for the next one. That’s the kind of learning that authentic learning strives to achieve. And that’s the kind of learning that lasts a lifetime. Want to take your lesson planning to the next level? Check out our articles on anchor activities and gamification for more ways to engage your students.What is authentic learning, anyway?
The core elements of authentic learning
How does authentic learning benefit students?
What does authentic learning look like in the classroom?
Putting authentic planning activities into practice
How can technology support authentic learning?
And, for teachers, technology is a great enabler, too.
Instruction for life-long learning