Authentic and Performance Based Assessment

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT a form of assessment in which students are asked to

perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. (Jon Mueller)

An authentic assessment usually includes a task for students to perform and a rubric by which their performance on the task will be evaluated.

Aims to evaluate students’ abilities in “real-world” contexts.

In Authentic Assessment, students:

Do science experiments Conduct social-science research Write stories and reports Read and interpret literature Solve math problems that have real-world

applications

Alternative Names for Authentic Assessment Performance Assessment- students are asked to perform a

meaningful tasks.

Alternative Assessment- is an alternative to traditional assessments.

Direct Assessment- provides more direct evidence of meaningful application of knowledge and skills.

How can I use Authentic Assessment in my classroom?

Authentic assessment utilizes performance samples- learning activities that encourage students to use higher-order thinking skills. There are Five Major Types of performance samples:

1. Performance Assessment

Performance assessments test students’ ability to use skills in a variety of authentic contexts. They frequently require students to work collaboratively and to apply skills and concepts to solve complex problems. Short- and long-term tasks include such activities as:

Writing, revising, and presenting a report to the class. Conducting a week-long science experiment and analyzing

the results. Working with a team to prepare a position in a classroom

debate.

2. Short Investigations

To assess how well students have mastered basic concepts and skills.

3. Open-Response QuestionsPresent students with a stimulus and ask them to

respond. Respond include: A brief written or oral answer A mathematical solution A drawing, a diagram, chart or graph.

4. PortfoliosA portfolio documents learning over time. This long-

term perspective accounts for student improvement and teaches students the value of self-assessment, editing and revision. A student portfolio can include:

Journal entries and reflective writing Peer reviews Artwork, diagrams, charts and graphs Group reports Student notes and outlines Rough drafts and polished writing

5. Self-Assessment

Requires students to evaluate their own participation, process, and products. Evaluative questions are the basic tools of assessment.

Performance Assessment

This method of assessment requires the student to create answers or products which demonstrate his/her knowledge or skills.

Components of Performance assessment Developmental Checklists -checklists covering

domains such as language and literacy, mathematical thinking, and physical development, are designed to reflect developmentally appropriate practices.

Portfolios -these purposeful collections of children’s work illustrate their efforts, progress and achievements over time.

• Summary report -consists of a brief narrative summary of each child’s classroom performance. It is based on teacher observations and records that are kept as part of the system.

Benefits of Performance Assessment Recognize that children can express what they know

and can do in many different ways. Evaluate progress as well as performance. Evaluate the “whole child” Involve children in the process of assessing their

own growth. Establish a framework for observing children that is

consistent with the principles of child development. Contribute to meaningful curriculum planning and

the design of developmentally appropriate educational inventions.

Give parent specific, direct, and understandable information about their child.

Collaborate with other teachers, thus enhancing your own professional skills.

Portfolio Assessment with Functional Behavior

Assessment

A purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student’s efforts, progress and achievements in one or more areas.

In the Portfolio Assessment, students’ best work or efforts Student-selected samples of work experiences Documents according to growth and

development toward mastering identified outcomes.