Assessment: A Refresher and Overview

4. Authenticity starts with outcomes

"Authentic assessment" is the concept-du-jour, so let's explore it. Most people agree that authentic assessment is the kind of assessment that measures knowledge and skills in a way that is meaningful, significant, and worthwhile. In other words, we want assessments that mimic the realities that students would experience "out there" beyond the classroom walls. And as designers of learning, we also have to ensure that assessments align with outcomes. Therefore, in order for assessment to be "authentic", the outcomes need to be meaningful, significant, and worthwhile as well. Unfortunately, we often don't have control over those outcomes. They are handed to us pre-approved by educational council or dictated by regulatory bodies. So, how do you do authentic assessment if the outcomes you are given are, in your opinion, not meaningful, significant, or worthwhile? 

Here's a tip. Transparency can go a long way. Consider providing an "assessment brief" or rationale with all summative assessments, even tests and exams. Answer these questions for your students with the assignment instructions in the syllabus or on the LMS: 

1. Why has this assignment, test, exam, performance...etc. been chosen as the tool for assessment?
2. What is it hoping to reveal? What evidence will it provide?
3. How does it connect to the outcomes of the course? 
4. How does it connect to the the discipline or field of work?
5. How does it contribute to and support learning in the course? 
6. How should you (the student) interpret the results or score? 
7. Why is it weighted the way it was weighted?  

CHALLENGE: Take one of the assessments in your course and see if you can write a paragraph rationale that answers these questions for students.