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This How-To is a guide to understanding and using authentic assessments.
An authentic assessment
is an alternative to traditional forms of assessment. This type of assessment
has been used to evaluate performance in the private sector. Authentic testing has been advocated
for use in assessing students as well. As in the private sector, students
are: tested (rated) on their ability to do a job well in a variety of circumstances;
challenged to solve problems with isolated facts, decisions, or needs; working
with others to solve complex problems or achieve specific results; clearly
informed about what's expected of them and the purpose of their work; continually
checking for understanding and skill processes; and adjusting their work on
the basis of feedback.
Reflection questions when examining an authentic assessment
- Does the primary focus of the assessment target the standards and objectives
of the teaching unit?
- Would the students do well or poorly at the task for reasons that have
little to do with the desired understanding and skills being assessed?
- Does the task require real world knowledge as well as an understanding
of the lessons taught in the unit?
- Is the task non-arbitrary and academically rigorous, and does it contain
all the skills taught in the lessons?
- Does the assessment help you diagnose the strengths and weaknesses
of the students in order to adjust teaching strategies?
- What evidence of understanding and skills is indicated, and is this type
of assessment the best choice?
Three examples of authentic assessments related to the arts
Check the questions listed above with these assessments to see if they would
be appropriate for a teaching unit in your classroom.
Community: The Sum of Its Parts (visual arts, photography)
This study unit focuses on the community, photography, and writing
to inform and persuade. Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group
a faction of a community such as people, places, things, historical
landmarks, green space, etc. Schedule a photo shoot. Give each student
one roll of film to shoot his/her assignment. Have each group present
a total of eight matted photos representing the faction, with a written explanation
of the photos and a justification for the choices. Present the final presentation
of all the groups as a photo essay on the community.
Public Service Campaigns and Contemporary Social Issues (visual arts,
drama, music)
Students study many contemporary social issues in America, research techniques,
and commercial communications units. Have a student or group of students choose
one of the issues, to research the issue and create an advertising
awareness campaign on that issue. Students will design a poster, bumper sticker,
or slogan and song and a 30-second video or audio public service announcement.
Have the groups present their campaigns to the "Board of Directors" with a
justification of their choice of images and words.
Desk Museums or Desk Dramas
Students study mammals while creating displays and research techniques. Assign or have each
student choose a mammal to research. Students
will create small tri-fold mini-museum displays for their desks. The tri-folds
may contain many types of information depending on the lesson unit, such as
characteristics, drawings, Internet print outs, maps of the environment, physiology,
and myths. Each becomes the animal, "with a human voice" to explain
his/her research and answer questions. (This can also be done with many types of science units, historical
figures, or literature.)
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: Joyce Payne is a noted educator and former Arts Supervisor
for Prince George's County, Maryland.
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