This document outlines 10 points for designing authentic learning experiences: 1) using real-world problems, 2) having ill-defined problems for learners to solve, 3) requiring sustained investigation over time, 4) using multiple sources and perspectives, 5) collaboration, 6) reflection, 7) interdisciplinary perspectives, 8) integrated assessments, 9) producing polished real-world products, and 10) allowing for multiple interpretations and outcomes. Each point is then briefly explained to show how it contributes to a more authentic learning experience that better prepares learners. The document encourages using this checklist to evaluate one's own courses.

1. Authentic Learning
Designing

2. So, why would you want to go to the
trouble of designing for Authentic
Learning?

3. Well, we all want our Learners to
connect with the material and to make
the total experience as relevant and as
authentic as possible.

4. And the more Authentic your learning
experience is, the better your chances of
your material connecting with your learners.

5. So how do you make learning
experiences Authentic?

6. Let’s look at 10 point checklist. We can apply
this list and any course and check how
authentic the learning experience is.

7. Your Checklist!
1. Real-World Relevance
2. Ill-Defined Problem
3. Sustained Investigation
4. Multiple Sources and
Perspectives
5. Collaboration
6. Reflection
7. Interdisciplinary Perspective
8. Integrated Assessment
9. Polished Products
10. Multiple Interpretations and
Outcomes

8. Don’t Panic!

9. We are going to look at each point
individually

10. Would you rather work on a
problem that is abstracted from
reality or one that has real
world relevance?
1. Real World Relevance

11. 1. Real World Relevance
Well, when you thinks
about it, the closer the
problem is to reality the
more real it will be for your
learners.

12. Q2. Should the problem be clearly defined or
should your learners be challenged to identify
the tasks and subtasks needed to complete a
major task?
2. Ill-Defined Problem

13. 2. Ill-Defined Problem
It’s best to challenge your learners to identify
the tasks and subtasks needed to complete a
major task.

14. 3. Sustained Investigation
Q3. Should the problem be easy to solve and
require minimal time and effort?

15. 3. Sustained Investigation
You’ll get a more authentic
experience if your Learners are
tasked with research over a
sustained period of time, requiring
significant commitment in terms
of time and resources.

16. Should the learners be exposed to just one
information source and perspective?
4. Multiple Sources and
Perspectives

17. Or Multiple Sources
and Perspectives?

18. Authentic activities provide learners with the opportunity
to examine the task from a variety of theoretical and
practical perspectives, Learners are invited to consider
and evaluate the credibility and validity of information
sources.
4. Multiple Sources and
Perspectives

19. Should the learners work alone or with other
people?
5. Collaboration

20. 5. Collaboration
In the real world, most problems require multiple
domains of knowledge so we usually work with other
people to solve problems. Therefore, you’ll get a more
authentic experience if your learners are required to
work together.

21. 6. Reflection
Should we build in time in the
schedule to let the learners
reflect upon their experiences
and performance or just skip
it?

22. 6. Reflection
Authentic activities require
learners to think about their
thinking. Learners are expected
to evaluate and synthesize their
own learning performance.

23. 7. Interdisciplinary Perspective
Is the learning confined to a single domain or
multiple domains?

24. Interdisciplinary Perspective
Learning is not confined to a single domain or
subject matter specialization as learners are urged to
take on diverse roles and to think in interdisciplinary
terms.

25. 8. Integrated Assessment
Should the assessments be narrowly focused on a
short term recall of the content covered?

26. Integrated Assessment
Assessment can be focused on a major task in a
manner that reflects real-world evaluation processes
and how one task impacts another in a seamlessly
integrated manner.

27. 9. Polished Products
Should the final product have no relevance to what
would be presented in a real world setting?

28. Polished Products
In line with integrated assessments, course outcomes
may entail the creation of a product which is relevant
and applicable to the work environment.

29. 10. Multiple Interpretations and
Outcomes
Is there just the one perfect answer or solution like
what you find in a mathematics textbook?

30. Multiple Interpretations and
Outcomes
Learners need to get comfortable with the notion
that there is no one way or one answer to questions.
Authentic learning may raise more questions than
answers, as it allows for diverse interpretations and
even competing solutions.

31. Think About!
Now think of a course you have
recently participated in. Use the
checklist to see how well it measures
up against Authentic Learning.