Description
Authentic learning is an instructional strategy that enables learners to explore, discuss, and construct concepts and ideas in a context that involves “real-world” problems and challenges that are applicable to the learner.
Advantages
- By learning a task within its real-world implications, a learner will understand its value for them outside the classroom.
- Engagement: Learners may be more engaged in a task if they understand its practical application rather than just its hypothetical goal.
- Cognition and Memory: Learners may find it easier to remember information if they can reflect on an instance in which they may apply the knowledge or skill to a real-life task.
Disadvantages
- Authentic learning tasks are often too challenging to perform in a traditional classroom.
- Authentic classroom settings may or may not be “authentic.” A mock clothing store experience for practicing customer service or counting money, for instance, lacks the distractions of a real-life store situation.
Implementation Example
- An ESL instructor provides learners with a set of conversational tasks to complete during a day’s field trip to the city.
- Learners complete the tasks in the real world by walking around the city asking for directions, buying lunch, etc.
- The class comes together at the end of the learning activity to discuss and reflect on their experiences of applying their knowledge and skills in the real world.
