Context: Dealing with professional complexity has been of scientific interest in the research field of vocational education and training for decades. So far, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding how professional complexity finds its way into learning processes in VET. A common option is to model complexity through authentic simulations…

The purpose of this article is to introduce a lesson fondly referred to as the 'Lego Shop' lesson. It stands out as not only the most engaging lesson we've conducted but is also highly adaptable to accommodate a diverse range of learners. Successfully implemented across all year levels, from Foundation to Year 6, this lesson has proven to be…

Mathematics is foundational to integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Problem solving is central to integrated STEM and to the individual disciplines as evidenced by the practice standards of each discipline (e.g., Standards for Mathematical Practice, Science and Engineering Practices, and Technology and…

One of the points of science learning is to extend students' competence, counting problem-solving and analytical thinking. Conditions within the field appear that most students encounter trouble in fathoming relevant issues including the application of science concepts in real-world circumstances. This condition appears the require for compelling…

As education systems adapt to evolving societal and technological demands, mathematics curricula must also evolve. Recent trends highlight challenges such as declines in student performance and gaps between intended learning goals and real-world applications. Integrating competencies like data literacy, computational thinking, and problem-solving…

In literature, teaching for an authentic learning experience is seen as rewarding and interesting, promoting better understanding of for example sustainable development and fostering students' independence. Some upper secondary schools emphasise authentic teaching and learning on their websites, showcasing how students engage in authentic tasks.…

Infusing five processes into assignments can help students hone the skills they'll need to address complex problems. The world students will enter is full of complex, unpredictable problems--and students will need sophisticated thinking skills to cope. The authors unpack five thinking processes students need to internalize through opportunities in…

This book identifies the educational problems and issues that could be solved by design and discusses how to overcome these challenges by adopting a design thinking approach. The chapters cover topics such as opportunities and challenges for the futures of education, the emerging models of design thinking for education, learning activity design,…

As schools endeavor to provide all students with access to computational thinking and computer science, the hackathon emerges as a competitive and high-energy event that uses authentic problems to motivate learners to engage in the domain of computing. This article presents the design case of a hackathon for teenagers as enacted over five…

As assessments move from traditional paper-pencil administration to computer-based administration, many testing programs are incorporating alternative item types (AITs) into assessments with the goals of measuring higher-order thinking, offering insight into problem-solving, and representing authentic real-world tasks. This paper explores multiple…

The aim of this study was to examine how fifth grade students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills can be developed using practices based on Newman and Weglage's (1993. Five standarts for authentic instruction. "Educational Leadership," 50(7), 8-12) authentic learning standards ("high-order thinking," "depth of…

Mathematical modeling is a process in which students investigate authentic problems and everyday situations using mathematics. In doing so, they bring their multiple mathematical knowledge bases and cultural funds of knowledge into their solution strategies. During a task called "Abuelo's Birthday", 297 students in grades 3-5 decided how…

This study explores the integration of Design Thinking into the Key Stage 3 Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum at a school in North-West England, focusing on fostering 21st-Century Skills alongside subject-specific knowledge. The research draws on a multiple case study approach derived from the 'Solving Genuine Problems for Authentic Users…

STEM experiences that capture students' curiosity have a unique role in inspiring awe in science, enculturing science engagement, and recruiting students to pursue STEM careers. Here, we present a unique interdisciplinary STEM experience for elementary school students that teaches them to write computer code to test primate intelligence at a zoo…

It is difficult to inculcate the knowledge, skills, competence, quality and values that students need to gain through traditional approaches of teaching. Therefore, approaches of teaching which make students active in learning, which lead them to solve daily life problems and thus inculcate in them the upper order thinking skills need to be used…