Authentic Assessment

Assessment--a hot topic in education.  What is the best measure of achievement for educators to use in assessing student progress and understanding?  As usual, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer for this question, but through authentic assessment educators can be reassured that it is possible to provide methods of assessment that truly represent levels of comprehension.

Authentic assessments are real-life applications of knowledge in context, as opposed to rote memorization and recollection of facts.  Some examples of authentic assessment include:

• Portfolios
• Science experiments
• Podcasts
• Journals
• Community Service
• Debates
• Skits/Plays
• Musical Compositions

Authentic assessment can look like a lot of alternative assessments in that they are process and product focused.  Take for example, project-based learning.  Watch this brief introduction to project-based learning and think about how this method of instruction places emphasis on the application of acquired knowledge.

While alternative assessments can be authentic assessments, not every alternative assessment is so.  What makes authentic assessment.... authentic? As characterized in Assessment Accommodations for Classroom Teachers of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students, authentic assessments:

• "Are generally developed directly from classroom instruction, group work, and related classroom activities and provide an alternative to traditional assessments.
• Can be considered valid and reliable in that they genuinely and consistently assess a student's classroom performance
• Facilitate the student's participation in evaluation processes
• Include measurements and evaluations relevant to both the teacher and the student
• Emphasize real-world problems, tasks, or applications that are relevant to the student and his or her community" (p. 22)

Naturally, authentic assessment can be especially applicable to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students.  In these instances, it is important that the assessment truly measures the student’s understanding and application of the content, and not the linguistic abilities of the student.  For example, a written science exam given in English may not as accurately measure a CLD student’s understanding of electricity and currents.  A more accurate assessment may require students to build a circuit that includes specific components to power a light bulb.  Ideally, this activity would allow the student to apply their understanding and the teacher to assess their comprehension.  

Authentic assessment can be formative or summative.  Using authentic assessment throughout learning allows an educator opportunities to assess the needs of the classroom and adapt their instruction accordingly.  Whether used as formative or summative assessment, additional advantages of this method include engaging students in their learning, challenging learners, promoting higher-order thinking, reducing test anxiety, and facilitating self evaluation.  

How have you implemented authentic assessment in your classroom? 

Additional Resources:

• Video: What is Authentic Assessment
• Article: The Challenge of Authentic Assessment
• Book: Assessment Accomodations for Classroom Teachers of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
• Document: A List of Authentic Assessment Ideas
• Article: Advice on Using Authentic Assessment in Teaching
• Blog Post: Authentic Assessment Applications