Authentic Active Learning Activities

John Seely Brown used the word authentic extensively in talking about situated learning. See the relevant post on this site.

Authentic is, nonetheless, difficult to define. Most definitions of authentic compare one thing to some existing model or template. Something is authentic if it compares well to the original. In their paper on authentic activities and online learning Reeves, Herrington and Oliver describe what authenticity means in the design of learning activities. They present ten characteristics that define authentic Active Learning activities.

1. Authentic Active Learning activities have real world relevance
2. Authentic Active Learning activities are ill-defined
3. Authentic Active Learning activities require sustained student effort
4. Authentic Active Learning activities involve multiple perspectives and resources
5. Authentic Active Learning activities involve collaboration
6. Authentic Active Learning activities provide opportunities for reflection
7. Authentic Active Learning activities encourage interdisciplinary perspectives
8. Authentic Active Learning activities integrate assessments
9. Authentic Active Learning activities create polished products
10. Authentic Active Learning activities produce diverse outcomes

Each of these design features is described in a more detailed post. Follow the links in the list above.

AL Activity Worksheet