Problematising the notion of ‘authentic school learning’: insights from student perspectives on media/literacy education

Creating authentic learning opportunities in schools has been an important mission for educators and educational researchers, where ‘authentic’ is generally understood to mean connecting school education to students’ current and future identities, experiences and expertise. This article aims to problematise the taken-for-granted notion of authentic learning based on data from a study on media literacy education in Singapore. Thirty-two secondary students discussed their views on and experiences with school-based media/literacy education in focus group discussions with researchers. While the findings highlight students’ articulation of a disconnect between in-school learning and their everyday experiences, they also reveal youth’s expectations for school learning to aid their academic success. Authentic learning, from the points of view of students, thus encompasses opportunities for real-life connections as well as preparation for achievement valued by schools. The study has implications for contexts similar to Singapore where pressures to do well academically coexist with a heavy emphasis on measurable learning. More broadly, it advocates considering students’ perspectives on school and learning as a crucial aspect of designing authentic learning environments.