5313 Week 2

     Authentic work is work that uses "application of knowledge and skills, rather than just routine use of facts and procedures" (Newmann, King, and Carmichael, 3). To me, this is every teachers dream. Traditional work that consists of drilling and killing a lot of tedious steps is tough to consistently attack day in and day out. Learning new information can often feel like a losing battle. This can make the monotony of a school day really drag on. In contrast, applying information can feel empowering, therefor increasing the motivation. According to our reading, the criteria or components of authentic instruction are construction of knowledge, disciplined inquiry, and value beyond school. When looking at one of these specifically I would look at disciplined inquiry. The empirical data that sticks out to me about this is figure 2 on page 21. This shows that regardless of grade, writing is the bigger gainer over math. I think the main reason for this is that disciplined inquiry. Having the skills needed to not just regurgitate facts but have nuanced opinions on them is what makes writing high level as well as more enjoyable.

    When looking at the first section of NETP's universal design for learning, the thing that really sticks out to me in terms of authenticity is multiple means of expression. Giving students some freedom on how they are expressing their knowledge lets students express themselves in a way they are most comfortable. When students are more comfortable, it becomes easier for them to focus more brain power on that authentic thoughts and nuanced elaboration. A good example for me in my class would be an upcoming research project. As a special educator, a lot of my students struggle with writing. Technology has a vast array of modes in which students can show the knowledge learned from research. This would be a much more authentic lesson because of the fact that I would be measuring the actual standard (showing you can accurately research a topic) more specifically, and not just their ability to write.

    An obvious connection between the two is that they use 3 main principles that both stand alone and work together. In terms of tying the two sets together the most obvious is value beyond school and extending learning. I believe the most effective part of construction of knowledge is that it makes the learning more engaging. Lastly I think disciplined inquiry is truly the root of enhancing our learning. The example I used is that this assignment will extend learning by increasing their proficiency in multiple modes of presentation which can help them with a variety of careers. My example enhances the learning by giving them the opportunity to not focus on the writing as much and engage in that authentic thought about their subject. Finally, my example will engage the learner by hopefully increasing that precious time on task.

References

1. Office of Educational Technology. (2024). A Call to Action to Close the Technology Access, Design, and Use Divides: National Educational Technology Plan. Department of Education. Retrieved from: https://tech.ed.gov/netp Links to an external site.
2. Newmann, F. M., King, M. B., & Carmichael, D. L. (2007).  Authentic instruction and assessment: Common standards for rigor and relevance in teaching academic subjects.  State of Iowa Department of Education. Introduction, Chapters. 1 & 2 (30 pages). Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T9JNAZgLfKvXAX7JoaOJElkkZS5Xf-lp/view?usp=drivesdk Links to an external site.