Teaching and Learning in Authentic Contexts

This study circle guide was created by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) as part of the Connecting Practice, Policy, and Research (CPPR) initiative. The guide is part of NCSALL’s effort to help connect research and practice in the field of
adult basic education and adult literacy. These study circle guides were designed as a tool that staff developers and practitioners could use to
organize and conduct study circles that help practitioners read, discuss, and use research to improve their practice.

This guide is based on research that examined the impact of the degree of authenticity of activities and texts and the degree of student/teacher collaboration on changes in literacy practices of students outside the classroom. Participants examine teaching and learning in authentic contexts, and discuss the challenges of using authentic instruction and integrating authentic activities and materials into their classes.