What is an example of authentic assessment?

An authentic assessment is designed to evaluate students' skills and knowledge through real-world tasks that reflect the types of challenges they might face outside the classroom. A portfolio of student work exemplifies this approach because it compiles various items produced by students over time, showcasing their progress, creativity, and critical thinking skills across multiple subjects or projects. This kind of assessment allows students to demonstrate their learning in a more comprehensive and individualized manner, providing deeper insights into their abilities than traditional testing formats.

In contrast, options like a multiple-choice test and a standardized quiz typically assess knowledge in a more restricted way, often focusing on rote memorization rather than real-life application. Teacher evaluations without student input may overlook the perspectives of the learners, not capturing their experiences or the authenticity of their learning journey. Therefore, a portfolio is a clear example of authentic assessment as it emphasizes meaningful and reflective learning experiences.