EDC 668 - Week 3 Blog

How can authentic learning tools improve student engagement and deepen learning? What does the apprenticeship model tell us about learning?

Authentic learning tools are helpful in student engagement and learning because they serve a specific purpose that in essence, can differentiate instruction/learning for that individual or group of individuals. For example,
if students are given such things as portfolios to add to their learning and create more of a linear pattern of learning, students can see personal growth, tailor projects to their own understandings and purposes, and develop a more diverse form of learning that simply cannot be compared to a test or heavily structured project.

The apprenticeship model tells us that learning is best done when students are able to work through their lives and experiences when learning new ideas/tools. Without using these new ideas and experiences to improve their lives and work, the experiences stand alone as learning that has not been connected to the person. Knowledge is often lost when experiences are not connected to the learning, hence making apprenticeship learning so valuable for any student.