ALIGNING OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENTS & ACTIVITIES

Creating a significant learning environment requires an emphasis to be placed on the outcomes, activities and assessments for particular units. Outcomes, activities, and assessments should be aligned in foundational knowledge, application, integration, human dimension/caring, and learning how to learn (Fink, 2003) in order for significant learning to occur. Essentially, significant learning done within the realm of authentic learning environments allows students to develop connections and learn based on context rather than simply memorizing content, which is crucial to developing lifelong learners.

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Using the guide created by Fink, I have developed a plan for a High School Senior level entrepreneurship course to create and develop ePortfolios that showcase the development of their business models within a two semester course. I started with the BHAG, Big Hairy Audacious Goal, and worked backwards from there to plan the unit. Coming up with the BHAG first allowed me to keep my end goal in sight and focus all outcomes, activities, and assessments on that to design a cohesive unit with strong goals where my students can learn and connect in a learner-centered, engaging environment.