Why Authentic Assessments?
As educators, we strive to prepare our students for the professional world. In doing so, we must ensure that we are equipping them with the skills and knowledge as they are evaluating and assessing their own learning. Authentic assessments allow this goal to come to fruition as students are contextualizing their learning as it is assessed at the same time. Authentic assessments allow learning to continue while knowledge and skills are being evaluated. Valencia (2007) conveys, “Students are learning and practicing how to apply important knowledge and skills for authentic purposes. They should not simply recall information or circle isolated vowel sounds in words; they should apply what they know to new tasks.” If learning becomes relevant and is contextualized in real, authentic scenarios and situations, students will acquire a skill set that would not otherwise be attained. As a result, they will become more motivated and have more autonomy as they are held accountable for their own learning. Grant Wiggins comments, "...Engaging and worthy problems or questions of importance, in which students must use knowledge to fashion performances effectively and creatively. The tasks are either replicas of or analogous to the kinds of problems faced by adult citizens and consumers or professionals in the field." (Wiggins, 1993, p. 229). After considering these thoughts, as educators, we are preparing our students to problem solve in real situations and apply acquired knowledge to enhance their understanding of the world.