Learning connected beyond the classroom: introducing the authentic connected engaged (ACE) framework for educators

Educators are seeking innovative curriculum and pedagogical approaches to address declining engagement and academic achievement in students and to support aspirations and build transferable capabilities. We propose the Authentic Connected Engaged (ACE) Framework: a practical framework for educators, curriculum writers, and industry stakeholders to enable deep learning that is relevant for contemporary students. The ACE Framework emerged from a body of work connecting educators with industry partners to leverage authentic contexts for learning in Australia. Inquiry-based learning was the driving pedagogical approach to connect curriculum with authentic contexts, thereby promoting student engagement, broadening aspirations, and developing transferable capabilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Drawing on case studies involving teachers, students, and industry partners, we argue that the ACE Framework provides an architecture for the development of innovative curriculum and pedagogical approaches to enhance a range of key student outcomes. The case studies discussed in this paper provide emerging evidence for the positioning of schools and industries as partners in education.