Cagayan State University
Gonzaga Campus
Learning Module in Assessment in Learning 2
Topic Title: Authentic Assessment and its Types
Duration: 1.5 hours
I. Introduction
Authentic assessment emphasizes real-world tasks and the practical
application of knowledge. Unlike traditional tests, it requires learners to
demonstrate understanding through performance, projects, portfolios, or
problem-solving activities. This module explores what authentic assessment
is, its benefits, and the various types that can be used in diverse educational
contexts.
II. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
1. Define authentic assessment and distinguish it from traditional
assessment.
2. Identify the key characteristics and principles of authentic assessment.
3. Enumerate and describe different types of authentic assessment.
III. Content
A. What is Authentic Assessment?
Authentic assessment in education involves evaluating students' knowledge
and skills by having them apply what they've learned to real-world,
meaningful tasks. It moves beyond traditional assessments like multiple-
choice tests, focusing instead on practical application and problem-solving in
contexts relevant to their future endeavors.
An authentic assessment is one that requires application of what students
have learned to a new situation, and that demands judgment to determine
what information and skills are relevant and how they should be used.
Authentic assignments often focus on messy, complex real-world situations
and their accompanying constraints; they can involve a real-world audience
of stakeholders or “clients” as well. According to Grant Wiggins (1998), an
assignment is authentic if it
is realistic.
requires judgment and innovation.
asks the student to “do” the subject.
replicates or simulates the contexts in which adults are “tested” in the
workplace or in civic or personal life.
assesses the student’s ability to efficiently and effectively use a
repertoire of knowledge and skills to negotiate a complex task.
Key Differences from Traditional Assessment:
Authentic assessments can be contrasted with conventional test questions,
which are often indirect measures of a student’s ability to apply the
knowledge and skills gained in a course. Conventional tests have an
important place in college courses, but cannot take the place of authentic
assessments. The table below, drawn from Wiggins, illustrates the
differences between typical tests and authentic assessments.
allows appropriate opportunities to rehearse, practice, consult
resources, and get feedback on and refine performances and products.
Typical tests Authentic tasks Indicators of authenticity
Require a high-quality product Correctness is not the
Require correct or performance, and a only criterion; students
responses justification of the solutions to must be able to justify
problems encountered their answers.
Must be unknown
The tasks and standards
to the student in Should be known in advance to
for judgment should be
advance to be students as much as possible
known or predictable.
valid
The context and
Are disconnected
Are tied to real-world contexts constraints of the task are
from real-world
and constraints; require the like those encountered by
contexts and
student to “do” the subject. practitioners in the
constraints
discipline.
Contain items that Are integrated challenges in The task is multifaceted
isolate particular which a range of skills and and complex, even if
skills or facts knowledge must be used in there is a right answer.
Typical tests Authentic tasks Indicators of authenticity
coordination
Involve complex tasks that for The validity of the
Include easily which there may be no right assessment is not
scored items answer, and that may not be sacrificed in favor of
easily scored reliable scoring.
Are “one shot”; Students may use
students get one Are iterative; contain recurring particular knowledge or
chance to show tasks skills in several different
their learning ways or contexts.
The assessment is
designed to improve
Provide usable diagnostic
future performance, and
Provide a score information about students’
students are important
skills and knowledge
“consumers” of such
information.
Key Characteristics of Authentic Assessment:
Real-World Relevance:
Tasks mirror situations students might encounter in their chosen fields or
everyday life.
Application of Knowledge:
Students demonstrate their understanding by actively using skills and
knowledge to solve problems, create products, or complete tasks.
Performance-Based:
Authentic assessment often involves performance-based activities, such as
presentations, projects, simulations, or debates, rather than simply
recalling information.
Emphasis on Process:
Authentic assessment often considers the process of learning and problem-
solving, not just the final product.
Multiple Approaches:
Authentic assessments often allow for multiple ways to approach a task,
reflecting the complexity of real-world situations.
Evaluation with Rubrics:
Scoring is often done using rubrics that outline specific criteria for
evaluating student performance, ensuring consistency and clarity.
Formative and Summative Use:
Authentic assessments can be used both during the learning process
(formative) to provide feedback and improve learning, and at the end of a
unit or course (summative) to assess overall achievement.
C. Types of Authentic Assessment
1. Performance Tasks: These involve students demonstrating their skills or
knowledge through a specific task, like conducting an experiment, giving a
presentation, or creating a product.
2. Projects: Students engage in extended investigations or create a
comprehensive product, often over a longer period. Examples include
research papers, business plans, or building a model.
3. Portfolios: A collection of student work showcasing their progress and
achievements over time. Portfolios can include various assessment types like
essays, presentations, and project work.
4. Observations: Teachers directly observe students' performance in real-
time during activities like class discussions, group work, or hands-on
tasks. This can be documented using checklists or anecdotal records.
5. Simulations: Students engage in simulated real-life scenarios, like a mock
court case or a medical emergency, allowing them to apply their knowledge
and skills in a controlled environment.
6. Interviews: Oral or written interviews can assess students' understanding
of concepts and their ability to articulate their thinking.
7. Case Studies: Students analyze real-world situations and develop solutions
or recommendations based on their understanding of the relevant concepts
and principles.
8. Self and Peer Assessment: Students reflect on their own work (self-
assessment) or provide feedback on the work of their peers (peer
assessment).
9. Problem-based Learning: Students work collaboratively to solve complex,
real-world problems, often involving research and critical thinking.
10. Inquiry-based Learning: Students explore questions and develop
solutions through investigation and experimentation.
11. Debates: Engaging in structured debates allows students to research,
analyze, and present arguments on a particular topic.
12. Blogs, Journals, and Digital Storytelling: These can be used to reflect on
learning experiences, demonstrate understanding, and express creativity.
These are just some examples, and authentic assessments can be adapted
to various subjects and learning contexts. The key is to create tasks that are
relevant, engaging, and allow students to demonstrate their abilities in
meaningful ways.
IV. Learning Activities and Assessment
1. Discuss briefly the difference of authentic assessment and traditional
assessment.
2. Going back to the characteristics of authentic assessment, how do you
connect “authentic assessment” with that of “higher order thinking”
aspect in the assessment of students’ performance?
3. Write a short reflection answering:
a. How can authentic assessment improve student learning in your
class?
b. What challenges do you anticipate when implementing it?
