An Authenticated Learning Championship!

If...

to Authenticate is to prove or show to be real, true, genuine, and to validate, substantiate, corroborate, confirm, or to claim proof of identity. 

and

Learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught. 

Then... 

Authenticating Learning is an ongoing action focused on the acquisition of knowledge or skills with the confirmation of knowledge to be genuine through a tangible application where the individual can claim ownership of said knowledge. 

We need to train the"stabilizing muscles" to achieve applicable knowledge!

Click on the Link above to hear an analogy
perfectly describing Authenticating Learning! 

Levels and Layers of...

Authenticating the learning process not only for students but for educators has become my focus throughout this year. I am discovering layering of learning theory, practices, and most importantly the application of this knowledge is a powerful catalyst for growth.  As I reflect on my week I recognize that everyone learns best through application, reflection, and revision.  I am lucky enough to be a facilitator of learning for students, teachers, directors, and leaders. I am able to experience the similarities and differences between adolescent and adult learning sometimes within a single day. This provides me with a perspective on learning that topples a desk (student), bursts out of the classroom (teacher), shatters the exterior walls of a building (principal), expands into the local community (directors), reaches out to a region (leader) and goes light speed into the virtual realm (professional).  My self proclaimed assignment has thus become to authenticate learning by facilitating creation, reflection, and application of vision and practices between the multiple levels and layers. 

Learning Lead to a...

To learn and grow, an individual or group must display vulnerability. A person, especially an adult, must allow themselves to be vulnerable to change and grow. This is not a comfortable state for those of us who feel strong in our practices or desire to sustain a certain sense of control and authority.  We fear that if we are vulnerable it will be perceived as a weakness. However, in my line of work vulnerability displays strength.  The more vulnerable one is to open up, reflect, revise, redesign, and redefine their practices the stronger they become not only as a facilitator of learning, but as a learner themselves. 

The leaders must permit the educators to take risks and try new things, even encourage this. The instructional coaches and directors must be willing to show vulnerability and trust the that the teachers are capable, willing, and experts in their content.  The teachers must trust the coaches and directors enough that they are willing to share their knowledge as well as their lack of knowledge in order to grow together as an equal team. The teachers must also relinquish some control to trust and allow the students to take risks and learn through failure with support and guidance, even encourage this. When these layers of willingness and vulnerability are functioning well, the students will accept the challenge to learn and they will set higher expectations of themselves.  

Championship Moment!

Click on the link above to see just a snap shot
 video of one of the 13 student proposals! 

I witnessed this difficult alignment occur yesterday! I watched the layers and the levels fit and flow seamlessly together as an outside entity. I witnessed motivated students shine, dedicated teachers glow, and visionary leaders in awe! As the crowd dispersed after the proposals ended, the door closed, and the team celebrated with high fives, hugs, "oh my"'s, "did we just do that?"'s, and smiles! As an athlete, I have won state championships, placed in national championships, and have more than my share of wins.  As an instructional coach, this was my teams first championship moment and it felt just as good if not better as those I experienced on the court! To feel the rush of adrenaline similar to winning a big game within the classroom and with a team of educators is how learning should always be. 

Then, I thought to myself as I walked out of our arena(classroom).... this is not what learning should be, 

THIS IS LEARNING! 




Thank you to Mr. Smith and Mr. Schmdit for allowing me to join you on your journey in Authenticating Learning! These teachers and students will be blogging their progress and as they publish I will link in their perspectives on this championship so you can see the whole amazing journey!