Learn how to implement a real-world approach to project-based learning. Authentic learning experiences are created around genuine, outside audiences and meaningful purposes. They meet the Common Core, engage students in critical thinking and 21st Century learning, teach important skills such as research and collaboration, and improve student learning. This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions to make it easy for teachers to create their own authentic learning experiences. The book is loaded with a variety of examples from different grade levels and content areas. Bonus! Each example incorporates technology and addresses the Common Core State Standards.

An accessible resource to develop authentic learning and teaching in higher education, this book challenges conventional teaching practice and presents meaningful and impactful alternatives across disciplines that are research informed, student-centred and achievable. Bringing together a wide range of contemporary examples, this essential text shows how academics from an increasing range of disciplines and fields have shifted their attention away from the restrictions of campus-based education. Using engaging case study material, underpinned by cutting edge research, the text shares innovations from over 50 different institutions, offers practical advice on how to facilitate authentic learning in real world contexts and examines the range of alternative assessment techniques available to the contemporary teacher. A Handbook for Authentic Learning in Higher Education is ideal reading for early career academics exploring approaches to learning, established academics searching for practical guides to emergent pedagogies and all those responsible for leading teaching and learning practices within their department or institution.

Measure what matters for deeper learning Getting at the heart of what matters for students is key to deeper learning that connects with their lives, but what good is knowing what matters without also understanding how to bring it to life? What does it really take to know who students are, what they are truly learning, and why? Measuring Human Return solves this dilemma with a comprehensive, systematic process for measuring deeper learning outcomes. Educators will learn to assess students’ self-understanding, knowledge, competencies, and connections through vignettes, case studies, learning experiences and tools. The book helps readers: Develop key system capabilities to build the foundation for sustainable engagement, measurement, and change Discover five comprehensive "frames" for measuring deeper learning Engage in the process of collaborative inquiry Commit to the central, active role of learners by engaging them as partners in every aspect of their learning Discover how to take an authentic, formative, and inquiry-driven approach to measuring the outcomes that drive deeper learning. The book really hits the mark. The best thing about it is the in-depth discussion of systems. It is with great pleasure that I read and re-read this book. It delivers a good combination of big vision with specific strategies and techniques. Jeff Beaudry, Professor, Educational Leadership; University of Southern Maine; Portland, ME This is just what we need in our district. This engaging book will help Change Teams support their systems to effectively measure deeper learning. Readers will be drawn in by great examples from around the globe of educators putting students first. This energizing book calls us to take action for all of our students today and for our future. Charisse Berner, Director of Teaching and Learning, Curriculum; Bellingham Public Schools; Bellingham, WA

"The lessons in Sizing Up Measurement: Activities for Grades 3-5 Classrooms focus on length, area, volume, angles, weight, time, and temperature. Each lesson is organized in an accessible, easy-to-use format that includes an overview, a list of materials, a vocabulary list, and step-by-step teaching directions. Students come away from these lessons with a deeper understanding of why and how to measure, and they develop the confidence required to make sense of any situation and the measurement tools involved."--pub. desc.

Measurement is paired with data as a fundamental domain of K-grade 5 mathematics in the Common Core State Standards, and it is one of five core content areas in NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. This book presents lively activities that dovetail with standards and research-based stages of development to support students' steady growth of understanding of measurement. With individual chapters for kindergarten through grade 5, A Pleasure to Measure includes 65 classroom-ready activities on measurement, along with a summary of learning goals, connections to children's literature, and ideas for extending beyond the activities. In each chapter, the authors provide-- a collection of activities for a single level--kindergarten-grade 5; a summary of level-specific measurement goals and learning trajectory stages; and a table that matches activities with standards and learning stages. A Pleasure to Measure will enable you to select activities quickly, easily, and confidently to target the content that your students are ready to learn. You'll find everything that you need in the six E's that the authors detail for each activity--Essentials, Engage, Explore, Expect, Extend, and Enrich.