212: Rethinking Authentic Learning with Laura Williams

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Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/

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Takeaways

Authentic learning is about process, not polish. Messy work is real work.

We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning.

Students need to see themselves in their work and communities.

Teachers are not meant to be the sole experts—bring in community voices.

There’s power in learning “out loud” and sharing what we don’t know.

Start with tiny experiments and let curiosity lead.

Real change in schools begins with relationships and relevance.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro to Laura Williams and Authentic Learning
04:38 - What Does “Authentic” Really Mean in Education?
08:22 - Lessons from Educator Partnerships
12:10 - Connecting Students with Community Experts
16:55 - Project-Based Learning Without Perfection
21:43 - Barriers to Authenticity in School Systems
26:02 - Starting with Tiny Experiments
29:11 - The Role of Curiosity and Student Voice
33:45 - Bringing the Public into the Classroom
37:19 - Tools, Frameworks, and First Steps for Teachers
42:00 - Final Reflections and Where to Learn More

Resources

Authentic Learning Alliance

Join the Network

Her book, The Improvement Game

Follow Laura: @mrswilliams21c on IG, X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok