Authentic Assessment
Authentic assessment is a key component of assessment as learning. When students apply their knowledge in a realistic setting, they learn to think like a professional in their field, transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations, and gain valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth.
When considering how to assess student learning in a course, most instructors would agree that the ideal assessment would be one that not only assesses students’ learning; it also teaches students and improves their skills and understanding of course content. One fundamental aspect of such assessments is that they are authentic.
An authentic assignment 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.