Every once in awhile, I feel a need to revisit what constitutes an authentic project. An authentic project starts with a driving question, or a photo, a class discussion, a current event… Something triggers discussion. From there, you and the class investigate. This is all part of authentic teaching and learning. It may stop there. Lack of interest, information, motivation…
If you and the class decide to pursue this topic, it can lead to an authentic project. You decide as a group, how to pursue this. What you decide now may change, and hopefully will, that is authenticity. Different students might want to pursue different angles on this project. That is what you want. You are still in charge, you are driving discussion, and even more importantly, listening to and guiding your students.
Meanwhile, you, as the educator, are processing how to tie your curriculum goals into where the class is headed. Sounds daunting, but remember, your students are engaged and motivated, so you have the mental space to look for all the curriculum opportunities. Trust me, take the leap, this works!
This is a very simplified introduction to something I strongly believe in. Just a reminder, I am very proud of my book, written with my former and forever principal, Peggy Pastor. One School’s Journey, Further Down the Path, is an entertaining and easy read (I am not biased – OK I am) that explains authentic teaching and learning. It is available on Amazon, both in print and on Kindle. I am not pushing this book to make money, any money we make from this book, we both donate to The Jared Box Project, another passion of mine. I truly believe in authentic teaching and learning, and am passionate about getting this information out!
One School’s Journey, Further Down the Path by Eleanor K. Smith and Margaret Pastor
Available on Amazon
The Educational Journey 