Authentic+Learning

As this task is an authentic learning activity, it is important to know what the 9 elements require and how this task covers them. This page goes through each element and how various aspects of this activity addresses them.
 * __Authentic Learning Elements__**

1. __Authentic Context__ – this first element refers to the purpose of what the students are learning and how they can then apply this knowledge in the real world. This element is addressed in the task through the form of technology that students choose to present their findings to the class with. Students will need to have knowledge in presenting research in various ways and by allowing them to do so by using resources such as Microsoft Powerpoint, online storybooks and movies, they are developing skills in using these technologies. These are highly important for real life situations.

2. __Authentic Tasks__ – this element requires teachers to be providing students with activities that have relevance to the real world. An obvious way in which this task provides that is through allowing students to present their research using technology but another way is through their written paragraph at the end of the activity. By getting students to explain the differences between pharaohs and slaves and then relate this how it differs from their lives, they are able to see how much the world has changed. It becomes a more personal and motivating task when they relate it to the way they live now. This element also requires tasks to have defined goals, production of knowledge and can be worked on over more than just one lesson. What students are required to do is set out clearly on the resource page on the Wiki and through teacher instructions, knowledge is produced through research and presentation and the task is on going for 2 weeks.

3. __Expert Performances__ – teachers are required to encourage students to think at a more advanced level than simply recording what they know. By getting students to work in groups and then present and teach the class about their topic, they are required to think about what information is relevant, if every group member is provided with an equal opportunity and share of work, what form of technology they will use and how they will go about presenting their information in a way that other students can easily learn.

4. __Multiple Perspectives__ – this element requires tasks to provide students various perspectives and opinions. This is addressed through group work and class discussions. Working in groups challenges students to listen to other views and opinions and co-operate. They are required to ask each other questions, listen to responses and start to understand why they and themselves may feel or think that particular way. In the same way, class discussions give students an opportunity to talk about the differences they have found between the 2 classes (pharaohs and slaves) and understand various perspectives from classmates as well as those in Ancient Egyptian times.

5. __Collaboration__ – group work, class discussions and presenting to the class all provide students with ways to collaborate with each other. Each of them requires students to listen to each other, provide their own contribution and perspective and co-operate effectively in order to successfully complete the task.

6. __Articulation__ – this element requires students to be able to talk about their understanding of what they are learning and address any problems or concerns they have. The task addresses this element through students’ presentation to the class and write up. During their class presentation, students are able to talk about what they have learned and show an understanding of the 2 Ancient Egyptian classes. The write up allows them to once again show their understanding of the topic while relating it back to their lives.

7. __Reflection__ – teachers need to provide students with ways of reflecting not only on what they are learning but also on the choices they have made in regards to it. Teachers can do this by getting students to finalise their projects the day before they present it. This allows students to make sure they are satisfied with the work they have produced and gives them an opportunity to reflect on it and their understanding. This is also evident in the write up as students are directly talking about what they have learned.

8. __Scaffolding and Coaching__ – this element refers to the support given by teachers and other students. In order for students to learn successfully and have a better understanding of topics, it is important for teachers to provide them with the support they need. In the task, the information given to students in the first 2 lessons provides them with an introduction to the topic easing them into the project so they aren’t just researching something that is totally new to them. They are also then provided with a resource page on the Wiki, which helps them in their research and a discussion board that they can support each other through posting questions, concerns and answers.

9. __Authentic Assessment__ – this refers to teachers being able to assess students in a way that relates to the task they have been given. The way in which this last element is addressed is through the write up. Students are able to talk about what they have learnt through discussing the differences between pharaohs and slaves and relate it to their life. This allows teachers to assess students understanding of the topic in an authentic manner.

By: Soraya D'Cunha