Authentic Learning Experiences 1st Edition

I work with schools across the United States on Project Based Learning and quality instructional strategies. A common area of support that I address is authentic learning experiences. Finally, there's a reference book I can recommend and use with staffs during staff development. Dayna Laur shows great insight into the what and value of authentic learning experiences. The extensive detail will enable veteran and new teachers to effectively develop and implement learning experiences that will help students put academic skills and concepts into a context that makes sense to them in the world beyond the classroom. Dayna's experience shines through as someone speaking from practice not just theory. Want more students to shine in their learning and make deep connections? Get this book.

Excellent range of examples in this book, and lots of them. Nicely detailed descriptions of authentic learning experiences from various grade levels and subject areas. I like the emphasis on real-world, challenging work; too many teachers assign "projects" that are not. Also like the section that emphasizes Justification, which promotes critical thinking.

An excellent read and a must for all teachers! I just bought two copies to give as Christmas gifts for my kids' teachers this year. If you haven't heard about Project Based Learning, this book guides you effortlessly through the process. From Pre-K to High School aged students, this book will empower your teacher to take his/her students beyond the confines of the classroom! Full of examples and step by step instruction, this book brings excitement back into teaching!

One of the common shortcomings of project based learning is the lack of authenticity in the student work. Dayna Laur does a great job here in not only explaining the nuts and bolts of how to increase authenticity but also provides great examples from the field in a way that almost makes you feel like she's sitting with you. I love how she tackles vital components of great PBL instruction like teaching critical thinking, creating community and career connections, and creating a meaningful outside audience. She brings the thinking of an experienced teacher to difficult questions like formative AND summative assessment while not dancing around realities like the Common Core. This is a great resource for teachers and schools looking for concrete advice on how to increase rigor and relevance and certainly one that I've recommended to folks in my workshops!

Since President Obama's visit to Manor New Tech High School last year, project-based learning has quickly become headline news. It is true that PBL provides the all important context for the content we teach in our classrooms; however, when implemented, too often the result is nothing more than a simulation that mimics what people outside of school do. Shouldn't school instead be a place in which students are encouraged to truly "try on" different jobs and careers? Ms. Laur details how to raise student engagement by designing authentic learning experiences that actually connect students to real-world issues while deepening understanding of significant content. This book is a "must have" resource for every educator who desires to make the content she/he teaches relevant and real.

As a parent of two young daughters who are in public school, I am concerned about the direction in which our education system is headed. Even at the kindergarten level, worksheet after worksheet is brought home and I'm already starting to see the lack of engagement. This book is the answer to the deficiencies in our schools today. I want my own children to be able to be engaged in these types of authentic learning experiences. The experiences described in this book are inspiring and are rigorously engaging. It is evident that students can be challenged and engaged at the same time! The methodology described in this book provides teachers with a firm foundation for designing projects that will prepare our students to be successful with the new Common Core standards and in the world beyond school.

As a longtime PBL teacher, this book really stretched my thinking and challenged me to create experiences that were more authentic and real for my students. Not only does the author provide an easy-to-understand and concrete framework to take your lessons and projects to the next level, but she also provides a wealth of specific examples that provide context for the content. Mine is full of highlights and sticky notes. It is a great gift idea for your star teachers and anyone who wants to improve their classroom environment.

If you are looking for renewal in the classroom, it is found here. Dayna Laur provides excellent examples of how to engage the students in hands-on experiences. She shows ways to step up education a notch to allow for stimulation and intellectual growth. A must buy for educators or as a gift for the teachers in your life!