2.3 Authentic Learning
Candidates model and facilitate the use of digital tools and resources to engage students in authentic learning experiences. (PSC 2.3/ISTE 2c)
Artifact: Engaged Learning Project
Reflection:
The artifact “Engaged Learning Project” was created in ITEC 7400 21st Century Teaching and Learning. This artifact was created to facilitate a several weeks long unit in AP Psychology that would more truly engage students and allow for collaborative learning. In this project, students would be given a scenario with a “real” patient presenting for treatment of a real psychological problem. Students would then work collaboratively on a multimedia presentation to discuss treatment options for their patient and make recommendations on the most appropriate and efficient treatment. Resources utilized would include a sheltered online discussion board with one or more psychiatrists or psychologists.
The element of Authentic Learning under the Standard of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment was mastered with this artifact in several different ways. The Engaged Learning Project clearly engaged students in authentic learning experiences. Students will be actively working on actual psychological issues presented by “real” patients. This allows students to apply their new knowledge of psychological disorders and treatment options to actual situations. Additionally, the ability to consult with real world psychologists and/or psychiatrists boosts the authentic aspect of this project. Further, students will be using digital tools and resources to do this through a sheltered online discussion board hosted by WikiSpaces.
While completing this artifact, I learned a great deal about the design of actual authentic learning experiences for students. While I have always prided myself on giving students hands-on experiences in the classroom, this project took that to a whole new level. By allowing students the opportunity to engage in an online discussion with actual psychiatrists and/or psychologists, students are able to try out various theories and treatment and see for themselves what their “colleagues” in the field believe. For this artifact, I would change the scope of the project to extend over the course of an entire semester. This is something that students could be working on as they learn additional information, and this would also increase the ability for psychologists and/or psychiatrists to interact with students.
This artifact will impact student learning and school improvement. Student learning will be impacted by students having the opportunity to engage with actual professionals in the field of psychology and make recommendations for treatment of various presented cases. This impact can be measured by analysis of AP Psychology test scores under the domains of Abnormal Psychology and Treatment of Abnormal Psychology. School improvement will be impacted as students engaged in authentic learning may be more excited about their learning and expect different types of experiences in other classes. Additionally, I am more than happy to share this information with other teachers, and AP teachers especially. There is also a possibility for collaboration with AP science teachers and their classes for treatment utilizing biological and neuroscience methods. The impact of this project on student learning will be evaluated based on scores on the AP exam on abnormal psychology and treatment.
The artifact “Engaged Learning Project” was created in ITEC 7400 21st Century Teaching and Learning. This artifact was created to facilitate a several weeks long unit in AP Psychology that would more truly engage students and allow for collaborative learning. In this project, students would be given a scenario with a “real” patient presenting for treatment of a real psychological problem. Students would then work collaboratively on a multimedia presentation to discuss treatment options for their patient and make recommendations on the most appropriate and efficient treatment. Resources utilized would include a sheltered online discussion board with one or more psychiatrists or psychologists.
The element of Authentic Learning under the Standard of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment was mastered with this artifact in several different ways. The Engaged Learning Project clearly engaged students in authentic learning experiences. Students will be actively working on actual psychological issues presented by “real” patients. This allows students to apply their new knowledge of psychological disorders and treatment options to actual situations. Additionally, the ability to consult with real world psychologists and/or psychiatrists boosts the authentic aspect of this project. Further, students will be using digital tools and resources to do this through a sheltered online discussion board hosted by WikiSpaces.
While completing this artifact, I learned a great deal about the design of actual authentic learning experiences for students. While I have always prided myself on giving students hands-on experiences in the classroom, this project took that to a whole new level. By allowing students the opportunity to engage in an online discussion with actual psychiatrists and/or psychologists, students are able to try out various theories and treatment and see for themselves what their “colleagues” in the field believe. For this artifact, I would change the scope of the project to extend over the course of an entire semester. This is something that students could be working on as they learn additional information, and this would also increase the ability for psychologists and/or psychiatrists to interact with students.
This artifact will impact student learning and school improvement. Student learning will be impacted by students having the opportunity to engage with actual professionals in the field of psychology and make recommendations for treatment of various presented cases. This impact can be measured by analysis of AP Psychology test scores under the domains of Abnormal Psychology and Treatment of Abnormal Psychology. School improvement will be impacted as students engaged in authentic learning may be more excited about their learning and expect different types of experiences in other classes. Additionally, I am more than happy to share this information with other teachers, and AP teachers especially. There is also a possibility for collaboration with AP science teachers and their classes for treatment utilizing biological and neuroscience methods. The impact of this project on student learning will be evaluated based on scores on the AP exam on abnormal psychology and treatment.