Forum theme

Learning in the real world - Leading authentic learning

The AADES Leaders’ Forum 2010 will bring together managers, principals, heads of department and emerging leaders to share research, discuss new ideas, innovative practices and case studies on leading authentic learning from their respective schools.

What is authentic learning?

Evidence from the Big Picture learning community and several of New Zealand’s leading educational researchers points to a stronger focus on students’ learning to create their own new knowledge, as opposed to the previous emphasis on acquiring existing knowledge.

Authentic learning is a way of delivering personalised learning that is based on a student’s interests and needs in a real world context. True learning takes place when each student is an active participant in their education and their learning is personalised by learning advisors, whanau (family) and, for older students, mentors in the community.

Authentic learning is a change in approach to teaching and learning where the underpinning philosophy is ‘one student at a time’, supported by a programme of learning personalised to meet the needs of that student.

AADES Leaders’ Forum 2010

This year’s AADES Forum will focus on the application of authentic learning for leaders and managers in a distance education environment.

Presentations will cover the following themes:

• Leadership and Management
• Indigenous Education
• E-learning
• Professional development.

If you would like to submit a proposal, go to Call for Presentations page.

For more information on authentic learning, visit the following links:

Big Picture Education Australia
Big Picture USA
Big Picture YouTube channel