Authentic Work

Meaningful learning as defined by Ashburn and Floden is learning that is characterized by intentionality, content centrality, authentic work, active inquiry, construction of mental models, and collaborative work. (2006. p.9) It is important for students to have an understanding of material we present to them and have the ability to develop thinking skills they can use outside of the classroom. We are, as educators, trying to prepare out students for the outside world. We hope they will succeed in furthering their education or in the workforce. This requires the ability to think a problem through to the end. I believe that one of the most important attributes of meaningful learning is authentic work which requires learning how to make a personal connection to the lesson. “Students think about information- its relevance and credibility- and they categorize, analyze, and synthesize it for communicating their understandings and solutions to specific audiences.” (2006. p.16) For students to successfully create authentic work we , as educators must allow them to do the work. We can guide them and show them the way but at some point we must take a step back and let them make the connections on their own.

We must give students the opportunity to think on their own. Kowalski offers an interesting analogy of crew members and passengers for students and authentic learning. “As we know, crew members, whether on a plane, cruise, or stage, are those folks who are in charge and have a distinct role. They are trained and expected to provide leadership, offer direction, solve problems, and handle situations as they surface. Initiative is assumed. It is the crew that we turn to for information and direction. They play an active role in their respective circles. A passenger, on the other hand, is viewed as the passive person who does as he or she is instructed to get from point A to point B. Expectations from the passengers are minimal, while crew members actively contribute.” (2009. p.55) We must offer students the opportunity to act as leaders and think on their own. We want to make sure our students are active crew members in their education, not passive passengers. In my own experience I sometimes find my initial reflex is to give a student an answer when I should be guiding them to finding the answer on their own. By letting students make their own mistakes and come to answers on their own we are supporting authentic work through meaningful learning.
We can use technology to connect the students to authentic environments. Callison and Lamb provide examples of ways we can use technology to connect students with authentic environments.
* Use webcams to video conference with experts at remote locations.
* Go on virtual field trips to historical locations, museums, and natural places.
* Interact with experts on group discussion forums.
* Access primary sources and real-world data sources.
* Communicate with students from other cultures through e-mail.
* Watch news broadcasts from other countries over the Web.
* Use a video camera to record oral histories. (2004. p 37)

Citations:
Ashburn, E.A., and Floden, R.E. (2006). Meaningful learning using technology: what educators need to
know. Teachers Press College. New York.

Callison, D. and Lamb, A. (2004). Authentic Learning. School Library Media Activities
Monthly, 21(4), 34-39. Retrieved October 4, 2009, from Education Module. (Document ID: 768768611).

Kowalski, S. (2009). Passenger or Crew? Who Do You Want in Charge?. Knowledge Quest, 37(5), 54-7.
Retrieved October 4, 2009, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.