Authentic learning

As a teacher and researcher of education I spent much of my time in search of an authentic learning experience for my students. From documenting their learning through online (digital) portfolios to biology field trips and subsequent assessment to maths excursions to the supermarket, I tried everything I could to make learning as real as possible.
You see this is what makes me tick as a teacher. It's not about the pay or the holidays (although they are nice) or the professional development or report writing. For me it's all about learning in the best, most effective way. In a way that engages students authentically in the learning process. This is Vygoysky's 'zone of proximal development' as its best. This is what motivated me day to day, bell by bell, classroom by classroom and student by student. It's what still motivates me now, even though I no longer teach in a school. In fact it drives my entire outlook and today I saw yet again evidence of authentic learning with my own littlies. Enjoy these photos ladies and gentlemen - these are two motivates girls authentically exploring and learning about the world!