Week 2

Week 2

1:

Authentic intellectual work is an approach to education that goes beyond surface-level learning. It challenges students to engage in activities and tasks that require them to think, create, and problem-solve. Instead of simply memorizing facts and figures, students are encouraged to understand the broader context of what they're learning and how it applies to their lives and the world around them. One of the major benefits of authentic intellectual work is its relevance. When students are able to see how their learning connects to the real world and their life, they are much more engaged and motivated to learn. It also nurtures critical thinking skills which are so lacking in many of today's students. They learn to analyze information, question assumptions, and make informed decisions. All skills that are so valuable in today's world. According to the text, construction of knowledge should involve organizing, evaluating, or synthesizing prior knowledge to solve new problems (King, et al, 2009). This work often involves tackling complex, open-ended problems. This encourages our students to think creatively and also to develop innovative solutions. The Cambridge program I teach encourages innovation and students often struggle with what this even is. This type of approach often spans multiple subject areas, which not only fosters a holistic understanding but also encourages students to make connections between different areas of knowledge. An example of a 4th grade social studies assignment would be for each student to choose a historical event or figure based in/from Florida. Students would be encouraged to use primary and secondary sources to gather information and then present their findings to the class. They could choose digital presentations, posters, or reports. I have even held a wax museum for students to role-play reenactments of historical events or people.

2:

Integrating technology into the components of authentic intellectual work into my 4th grade classroom enhances my students' engagement, facilitates research, and promotes collaboration. Some ways I do this are by allowing students to complete "Passion Projects" once a month. Students have a question that they are interested in answering and present it to me. Once approved, they engage in research to answer their question or at the very least, grow their knowledge on the topic. They then present what they learned to the class with a self-chosen method. Most often, they use PowerPoint or create an infographic to put on the board of learning.

3:

The connection between the authentic intellectual work approach and Kolb's deep dive into engagement and enhancement can be seen in the student's active participation in the learning process. They are immersing themselves in the topic and exploring it deeply. The enhancement is that the students often come up with questions that stem from something else we are learning. Such as when we read Esperanza Rising and they want to learn more about the Mexican Revolution or Number the Stars which often sparks an interest in World War 2. This deep engagement leads to a richer understanding of the events that are the backdrop for these novels which gives a more profound connection. It says in the text, "all students, in particular at-risk students, learn best when they are asked to use their higher cognitive skills to think deeply about learning concepts and ideas" (Kolb, 2020). Since I teach in a Title 1 school, this type of learning is especially important to help engage the diverse population I have in my classroom.

References

Kolb, L. (2020). Learning First, Technology Second in Practice: new strategies, 

     research, and tools for student success. International Society for Technology in Education.

Carmichael, D. L., King, M. B., & Newmann, F. M. (2007). Authentic instruction and

     assessment: Common standards for rigor and relevance in teaching academic subjects.

State of Iowa Department of Education.

U.S. Department of Education (2017). Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education: 2017

     National Education Technology Plan Update. U.S. Department of Education.