Authenticity
How much of what goes on in the classroom today could be considered “authentic” and not contrived, prescribed, manipulated and not “real”?
Authentic = directly from Medieval Latin authenticus, from Greek authentikos “original, genuine, principal,” from authentēs “one acting on one’s own authority,” from autos “self” (see auto-) + hentēs “doer, being” (etymonline.com)
First of all, how many lessons and learning experiences in the classroom are on the computer, not relative to the student’s life, not created by the teacher nor delivered in a genuine way?
So many lessons are created by the district and mandated for teacher use in the classroom.
Teachers who don’t have time nor the desire to create their own lessons got to TPT.
Too many teachers are also just “page turners” and just go page-by-page from a textbook.
No creativity. No personalization nor customization nor meaningful connection to the context and real world of the students.
Why?
Too much work?
Too afraid given the current “witch hunt” that is going on in schools?
Don’t know how?
Don’t care?
Don’t have the resources?
Have no choice but to follow the prescribed and mandated curriculum?
Secondly, how many educators can “act on one’s own authority”?
In other words, how many teachers can actually be creative and add their own personal “spices” to the lesson “recipe” they are given by a textbook or the district?
How many authentic learning experiences are students having in the classroom that are going to engage, inspire and prepare them for their real world experiences outside of the classroom?
In the latest episode of the Teacher Tales podcast, Stephanie talks about the importance of creating authentic learning experiences for students and making meaningful connections to their community and to the real world outside of the classroom.
Stephanie shares how she is a First Generation American to Argentinian parents and how her family’s connection to the equine community and business has shaped her and her teaching in Kentucky, a place well known for the Kentucky Derby and the equine industry.
She invites guests in that work in the local equine industry to share with students what they do.
She takes students on field trips to visit the KY Derby Museum and learn about its history and importance to the area/community.
She has an international partnership with schools and students in Argentina so that there can be a cultural exchange of awareness, appreciation and human connection.
She has a book drive to provide resources and support for students and their families to develop their literacy skills in both English and Spanish.
I did very similar things with my students.
And so have many of my teacher friends.
It is hard work, takes creativity, persistence, passion and making connections.
But it is so worth it!
The impact is priceless and students will never forget these types of authentic learning experiences.
You can listen to Stephanie’s podcast here.
Here are a couple of other Teacher Tale episodes that address this same idea of authenticity.
Enjoy and share for inspiration…especially as testing is winding down and we free a little more “free” to be authentic and creative in the classroom!
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