Blog 33: Authentic Assessments

Authentic assessment, alternative assessments, application based learning- these are three different names for the same things. The concept behind these learning strategies is instead of giving the traditional facts based test a project can be more beneficial. Proponents of this method of learning believe that the student buy in will be greater. Therefore students will put forth greater effort on the assigned tasks and learn the core subject as well as the intangible life skills often missed in the traditional test style education.

In theory I fully agree with this concept. In an ideal world I would be a full backer of this style of learning. However, I think it can only work well in a school full of keeners. I believe that alternative assignment is an excellent tool to use after the students have mastered the basics of acceptable behavior, reading, writing and arithmetic. Once the student has a baseline understanding, you can excite  their interest and let them run with it. Studies have shown that the new emphasis on standardized tests has increased teacher's enthusiasm and effort levels (Kornhaber, 2004). This would not necessarily happen if classes fully adopted the alternative assessment method. 

I believe that traditional bookwork based study is the best method for under performing students. Students, who do not have suitable, or base line intelligence. I believe my students can learn more through mastering the ability of sitting and working than through an independent project. Because of this I keep my class traditional. I have a brief lecture period then I have the students do independent projects for the majority of the class. Near the end of the class I often review the key concept of the day. The intangibles that my students are learning are how to work independently and diligently. If they master these two life skills I believe I have helped them a lot. Tests that I give are the traditional style of test, usually multiple choice.
The future depends largely upon where I end up. If I continue to teach in a troubled school I will not change the method of teaching that I use. However, should I end up teaching in a higher level school I believe I will insert several alternative assessments into my lessons. I love the idea and I really like how these assessments allow the students to “connect the dots” between concepts. However, I really do not believe that this style of learning is the most effective for an low level school.

Challenges of implementing an alternative assessment into my classroom
I believe that alternative assessments would be an administrator’s nightmare. Lets say that in a good school the traditional method produces students who grasp on average around 80% of the material. Now if an alternative method assignment could bring that average up to 95% or drop it down below 50%. This form of instruction is easy to mess up, but if designed properly, with high performing students, will results in very successful learning results. The key to success of failure of this project would be in the design of the experiment.

Kornhaber, M. 2004. Appropriate and Inappropriate Forms of Testing, Assessment, and Accountability. Educational Policy, 18:1 pg 45-70