Project Based Learning Step 4: Authenticity

Project Based Learning Step 4: Authenticity

Inspire students with real-world, relevant problems.
Inspire students with problems that have personal relevance.

Empower them with the information, tools and skills to solve these problems.

Real-World Context

We've all heard students asking the question, "When am I ever going to use this?" To help students see the relevance of what they are learning, ask yourself these two questions when planning your projects and lessons:

• "How do people use this outside of a school setting?" 
• "What is the most authentic application of this content?" 

If you can pose problem-solving activities that answer these two questions, you will provide your students with realistic and motivating learning experiences.

What makes something authentic and real-world?

• That task includes processes and tools that are used used outside of a school setting.
• The task includes work that makes a real impact and addresses a real world need, not just an assignment to be graded.
• Note 1: If the task cannot actually take place beyond the school walls, a realistic simulation can get close and be an acceptable substitute.
• Note 2: Sometimes school is an appropriate, authentic audience for students. Other students, classes and buildings can be their audience.

Check out this article from Edutopia for a deeper look into what makes a project authentic.

Connect to the student

• Connect the learning experience to student concerns, interests and identities.
• Ask, "What do my students care about? How can I build that into their learning?"
• Give students voice and choice whenever possible in how they connect to the content.

A few examples

• Write and publish a book or original writing.
• Create a website to promote a product (and better yet, design and create a real product).
• Participate in a simulation of the continental congress or a legislative committee.
• Design a new feature for the school.
• Conduct an original science experiment using the scientific process to answer a driving question.
• Conduct historical research and develop a public awareness campaign.
• Create an original recipe for a new food dish.
• Create and broadcast a newscast.
• Compose, perform and record an original song.
• Build a house or another authentic product in a tech class.
• Create original art and organize a public showcase or gallery.
• Research, write and present speeches to an authentic, public audience about a topic that students feel need more attention.
• Grow plants and document the process.

As you design learning experiences, consider how technology can be used in an authentic way. How is technology used to support authentic learning outside of a classroom?