members of the Curriculum and
Instruction Department here at the State
University of New York at Oswego, and to
students enrolled in a graduate course in the
fall of 2003. The survey asked respondents
to share their own understanding of the term
authentic learning. An analysis of this
survey shows that faculty and students
believe authentic learning should mimic real
world situations. All participants felt that
learning can only take place when it is
meaningful, it is real, and is an extension of
the learner’s world. This way of learning
was well summarized by a participant who
responded that authentic learning: