Authentic Learning: Enhancing Learners’ Academic Literacy Skills

Abstract

Several studies have shown that authentic learning facilitates learners' acquisition of knowledge, understanding of concepts and application of skills to solve real life problems. This study explores how authentic learning can be used to help English as a Second Language (ESL) learners to acquire academic literacy skills. The objective of the study was to observe students' reaction to authentic learning, to find out their learning styles and to find out their views about the authentic learning tasks and activities. The study adopted observation and a qualitative free text comments approach to collect data about students' reaction to the authentic learning activities and students' learning styles. In addition, focus group discussions and interviews were conducted to let students express their views about the authentic learning tasks and activities that were implemented. The paper presents the views of students about the authentic learning tasks and activities that were implemented. The students reacted positively to the authentic learning tasks and activities and expressed satisfaction. The findings of the study demonstrate that authentic learning can be used to enhance the academic literacy skills of ESL learners.

Analysing the Effect of Authentic Learning Activities on Achievement in Social Studies and Attitudes towards Geographic Information System (GIS

“…The effect size of the difference was medium. This result is in accord with prior studies indicating that authentic learning activities significantly have a positive impact on attitudes towards courses (Aynas, 2018;Baştürk, 2019;Belaid & Murray, 2015;Dilmaç & Dilmaç, 2014;Horzum & Bektaş, 2012;Hürsen, 2016;İneç, 2017;Koçyiğit, 2011), promotes student satisfaction (Horzum & Bektaş, 2012;Wornyo, Klu, & Motlhaka, 2018), and increases student motivation (Gündoğan, 2014;Gürdoğan & Aslan, 2016;Önger, 2019). Yeen-Ju, Mai, and Selvaretnam (2015) found supportive evidence for the use of authentic learning strategies in technology-supported classrooms in higher education institutions.…”

Education Executives Views About the Development of Authentic Learning and Assessment Environments

“…In this study we have focused on the definition of authentic learning and authentic assessment according to the perceptions of education executives with previous experience in education. From the analysis of the data we are led to the conclusion that the basis for authentic learning is the belief that students learn more easily and in depth if knowledge is combined with existing experience and practical application in everyday life (Reeves et al, 2002).The participants, who had previous experience in teaching through specific examples given were led to the definition of authentic learning and authentic assessment, which is consistent with the literature (Lombarti, 2007;Har, 2013;Herrington & Oliver, 2000, Wornyo et al, 2018. From the results of the research the authentic techniques that have been used the most were projects, portfolios, problem solving, self-assessment and peer assessment, role playing and the use of ICT.…”

“…They work in groups and take initiatives. Through inquiry and the expression of different ways of thinking, students are encouraged to collaborate, to respect and consult one another (Wornyo et al, 2018). For example, in project based learning, working in groups, using ICT for searching information, developing a topic of research and presenting the findings and the conclusions are practices of authentic learning.…”

Efektivitas Materi Ajar Gerak Lurus Bermuatan Authentic Learning Untuk Melatihkan Keterampilan Pemecahan Masalah

“…Sebagaimana dikemukakan Rahmat et al, (2015) bahwa terdapat dua faktor penyebab utama rendahnya keterampilan pemecahan peserta didik, yakni terbatasnya jumlah buku atau panduan mengenai keterampilan pemecahan masalah dalam pembelajaran fisika, serta kurangnya latihan dan proses pembelajaran yang berkaitan dengan konsep fisika Salah satu pembelajaran yang berkaitan dengan masalah nyata dan mudah ditemukan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari ialah pembelajaran autentik atau authentic learning (Kola & State, 2017). Pembelajaran autentik mencerminkan bagaimana individu memanfaatkan pengetahuan dan pengalaman dalam mengambil keputusan dengan memberi kesempatan lebih besar untuk memperolehan keterampilan, pemahaman konsep dan penerapan pengetahuan (Agbesi et al, 2018). Dengan demikian, pembelajaran autentik dapat menjadi salah satu alternatif dalam inovasi proses pembelajaran, terutama dalam pembelajaran fisika.…”