In this episode I am joined by special guest Laura Williams, an education consultant and author of “The Improvement Game: Exploring Education through Passion, Agility, and Authentic Learning Experiences,” for a conversation about authentic learning, agile classrooms, and the importance of education in both economic and workforce development.
Ask any economic developer, site selector, and/or corporation what their top three concerns are and workforce development is likely to be first or second on that list. One way in which K-12 education can help better address the workforce development challenge is through the creation of “Authentic Learning” programs - specialized programs that bridge the gap between what students are taught in school and experience working on real-lfe business problems. In Authentic Learning programs, students essentially become the ‘consultant’ responsible for understanding the problem, identifying the solution(s), and presenting recommendations to the business or organization on how to solve it.
Our special guest, Laura Williams, has been a leader in expanding Authentic Learning, helping Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) expand Authentic Learning Programs statewide through the creation of a project clearinghouse that connects schools, students, and businesses. She’s also been a boots on the ground education consultant helping schooldistricts implement authentic learning programs in the classroom using tools like Agile Classrooms.
Got a question for Laura or want help for your school district? You can reach her by visiting the Authentic Learning Alliance or emailing her here.
Authentic Learning: Connecting Economic Development with K-12 Education