They should represent a documented history of learning and an organized demonstration of accomplishment. Many of these methods are worlds away from traditional tests and grading. Because they should be closely aligned with the curriculum, they connect thinking and doing, theory and practice, in authentic contexts. The feedback and results enable teachers and learners to consider the next steps for improving both teaching and learning. Although they raise concerns about subjectivity, AAs allow multiple human judgments of learning.
Authentic assessments do pose certain challenges.
They require abandoning traditional notions about testing and evaluation and they change teacher and student roles. Some may be more comfortable with the traditional boundaries of grades and testing at set times. AAs are potentially more equitable in accommodating learning styles and acknowledging multiple ways of demonstrating competence. Authentic assessments do not necessarily have to replace other forms of evaluation but can be used to augment and broaden the picture of learner progress. Adult, Career, and Vocational Education Applications Adult educators, especially adult literacy teachers, find authentic assessments especially appealing as an alternative to the problematic use of standardized tests with adults.