Exploring Authentic Learning Practices in Teaching
Tuesday, March 10
1鈥�2:30 p.m.
Killam Library, Room B400*
Across disciplines, many instructors are finding ways to make learning experiences meaningful, practical, and connected to the places where students鈥� knowledge and skills will have impact. Herrington and Oliver (2000) describe 鈥渁uthentic learning鈥� as learning activities that are carried out in real鈥憌orld contexts or that have high transfer to a real鈥憌orld setting. This workshop offers space to explore what authentic learning, can look like in your context and how approaches such as workplace鈥慽nspired simulations and applied projects can deepen students鈥� engagement with course concepts.
We鈥檒l begin with a brief overview of principles of authentic learning and assessment, including what makes a task workplace-relevant and how simulation鈥慴ased approaches can support student understanding and confidence. We鈥檒l then take part in an interactive activity where you apply these ideas to one of your own courses or projects, exploring ways to strengthen real鈥憌orld alignment and potential impact.
We鈥檒l close by discussing practical next steps for continuing to develop applied or simulation鈥慴ased learning experiences. You鈥檒l leave with strategies you can begin using right away, along with ideas for building on the work you鈥檙e already doing.
Learning outcomes:
- By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe key principles of authentic and applied learning.
- Evaluate the real-world relevance of an existing activity or assessment.
- Begin developing a revised or new learning task that incorporates authentic or simulation鈥慴ased elements.
Facilitator
Shawn Komar, PhD (he/him)
Educational Developer (Program Development, Microcredentials, and Non-Credit)
*Creating an accessible and optimal learning environment is paramount for the CLT: please email us at clt@dal.ca to let us know if you anticipate any barriers we will need to remove in the learning environment, or if there is anything in particular you feel we should know that will best facilitate your learning experience. The information you share will be kept confidential and only shared with the session facilitators.
Please note that the B400 classroom is in the basement of the Killam Library. We are aware of, and apologize for, the accessibility barriers associated with this room. If you require the use of an elevator to reach this room, one of the CLT staff will have to access the elevator with you, using their key card. Please let us know in advance so that we can facilitate a smooth and timely transition to the basement.
We also ask that participants be respectful of those with significant allergies and avoid wearing perfume, aftershave, cologne, and highly scented hairspray, soaps, lotions, and shampoos.
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