Using Real-world Engagement to Help Students Commit to Meaningful Learning

Apple recently published a series of three books on the topic of Educational Leadership. Written in partnership with SRI Education's Center for Technology in Learning and with contributions from Apple Distinguished Educators, this series highlights the latest research and knowledge about great teaching and learning. In fact, the book Elements of Leadership features the Barrington 220 District Technology Committee as an example of shared leadership in instructional technology (page 21).

This bsd220tech series focuses on the book Elements of Learning which discusses powerful instructional strategies that engage learners and empower them to believe that their work matters. This month, we discuss the conditions under which students will maximize their willingness to engage in learning.

Elements of Learning

Part One: Teamwork
Part Two: Creativity
Part Three: Personalization
Part Four: Critical Thinking

Elements of Learning—Part 5 of 5: Real-World Engagement

Motivating students is a tricky thing. There are so many variables that we must consider when trying to engage students in a way that causes the learning to stay with them long term. We teachers attempt to create the conditions for learning and invite our students to participate, but their level of investment is ultimately up to them. When students enter class and are asked to spend time on an activity, or commit their mental energy to an idea, they ask themselves two questions: "Can I do this?" and "Is this worth my time and effort?" Students must be able to answer "yes" to both questions before they are willing to engage in the learning. The first question is hard enough. Teachers must consider the level of the task, the ability level of their students, students' prior knowledge, and many other variables. Getting students to say yes to the second questions often feels impossible. Real-world engagement is a key component of getting kids to feel that their time and effort on a task will be worth it.

Components of Real-World Engagement

• Realistic Examples—Examples provide context for student learning. These are plentiful and should be used liberally. The right example can connect a student to the academic learning in powerful ways. The more a student can see themselves in what they are learning, the more invested they will be.
• Immersion in the Real World—Immersion refers to any opportunity for students to directly connect to the people and places they are learning about. Field trips, video conferencing, Google Earth, augmented (AR), and virtual reality (VR) all serve to bring learning to life and connect students to their learning. 
• Realistic Task—Even if students are immersed in the context and have understanding through examples they could still disengage if what they are being asked to do is artificial. When students are engaged in a realistic task, they commit themselves to the learning. Realistic tasks include anything that looks and feels like what a professional would be doing. A realistic task could also be something that has a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Each component above helps to provide opportunities for students to experience authentic meaning and connection to what they are learning. When put together, a lesson goes to the next level. Giving students opportunities to connect their academic learning to issues and people they care about will make the difference in how long they will remember the content and how much they are willing to invest themselves in the learning.

For example, students in a high school Spanish class are asked to write children's books in Spanish. This, by itself, is a realistic example. Students must apply their knowledge of the language to an activity that goes beyond conjugating verbs on a worksheet. The teacher wants to increase student engagement by creating immersion in the real world. She reaches out to an under-resourced elementary school in Mexico and develops a relationship. The high school students connect through Facetime to read their stories to the elementary students in Mexico. Finally, to add a realistic task, the Spanish teacher partners with the high school Graphics Design class to design and produce physical copies of the books. The Spanish class arranges for the books to be shipped to the school in Mexico to provide each student with their very own book. When these elements are combined in this way, students are invited to authentic engagement in activities that are having a real impact in the world. 

How can technology amplify real-world engagement?

Technology can amplify real-world engagement because it connects students to the world. In fact, it is literally the mission of the "One to World" program to accomplish this. Physical access to people and places is limited by geography and resources. But virtual access to the people and places we learn about are limitless. Through technology, students can partner with local businesses, connect with their community, gain perspective from others all over the world, or communicate their ideas to everyone.

Want to Learn More?

Download the multitouch book, Elements of Learning, in the Apple Book Store. The book is available right now, including examples from multiple grade levels and content areas.

1. Open the Apple Books app already on your device in the Applications folder of your MacBook Air or from the App Store (or Self Service) on iPad.
2. Search for Elements of Learning.
3. Click or tap Get.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
5. Start reading!