Exploring Authentic Assessment: A New Approach to Evaluating Student Learning

Welcome to THe Teacher's Lounge

Welcome to the Teacher's Lounge! We (Jennifer Farrell and William Ennis) are thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey of exploring innovative teaching practices. In today’s post, we will delve into the concept of authentic assessment, a pivotal aspect of modern education that aims to enhance our understanding and evaluation of student learning.

What is Authentic Assessment?

Authentic assessment is defined as a method of evaluation that measures student performance through real-world tasks, as opposed to traditional testing methods, such as multiple-choice quizzes or standardized assessments (Wiggins, 1990). This approach offers a more comprehensive perspective on a student’s abilities and skills beyond mere memorization, enabling educators to gain insights into how students can apply their knowledge in practical settings (Gulikers, Bastiaens, & Kirschner, 2004).

The Importance of Authentic Assessment

As educators, we recognize the limitations of conventional assessment strategies. Traditional methods often fail to capture the full spectrum of student knowledge and creativity (Darling-Hammond & Adamson, 2014). In contrast, authentic assessment allows for a more nuanced view of student understanding. It encourages students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—essential tools for success in today’s complex world (Bransford et al., 2000).

Through authentic assessments, we can create opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in ways that are meaningful to them. These assessments may include projects, presentations, or community service activities. By aligning assessments with real-world applications, we foster deeper learning experiences and prepare our students to face future challenges (Mertler, 2009).

Next Post: How to Implement Authentic Assessment in Your Classroom

References

Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. National Academy Press.

Darling-Hammond, L., & Adamson, F. (2014). Beyond Basic Skills: Achieving Success in College, Career, and Life. John Wiley & Sons.

Gulikers, J. T., Bastiaens, T. J., & Kirschner, P. A. (2004). The effect of authentic assessment on student motivation and learning. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 29(3), 319-334.

Mertler, C. A. (2009). Transforming Classroom Grading. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Wiggins, G. (1990). The Case for Authentic Assessment. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 2(2)