Authentic forms of assessment present a more qualitative and valid alternative. They are compatible with adult, career, and vocational education. This Practice Application Brief describes types of authentic assessment, explains some of the advantages and challenges they present, and highlights some best practices in design and implementation, with specific examples from adult, career, and vocational education. Assessments are authentic when they have meaning in themselves-when the learning they measure has value beyond the classroom and is meaningful to the learner.
AAs address the skills and abilities needed to perform actual tasks.
Students might be asked to evaluate case studies, write definitions and defend them orally, perform role plays, or have oral readings recorded on tape. They might collect writing folders that include drafts and revisions showing changes in spelling and mechanics, revision strategies, and their history as a writer. Perhaps the most widely used technique is portfolio assessment. Portfolios are a collection of learner work over time. The items are chosen according to a set of standards or objectives connected to the curriculum or learning event.