The Benefits Of The Lifelong Learn Authentic Assessment Tool For Students

Evaluation and feedback is a helpful approach to determining if a student is learning their curriculum. This type of assessment can provide an accurate representation of how well acquired knowledge has been retained, and if the student is ready to use their skills in a real-world context. A consultancy can provide their expertly developed authentic assessment tool regardless of if a student is struggles or excels in his or her studies. It offers comprehensive insight on areas of strengths and limitations while working toward overall improvement in the student’s learning processes. An authentic assessment tool evaluates learning based on techniques such as:

• Real world problems that mimic the professional environment

• Open ended inquiry

• Thinking skills and metacognition

• Empowering students by choice in discourse and social learning

• Engaging students in discourse and social learning

An authentic assessment can be developed based on various methods and techniques to determine the level of the student and their areas of strengths and limitations. Some tools involve scoring scales to assess performance along a task-specific set of criteria. A consultancy firm may want to see a portfolio of the student’s work and assignments highlighting their top achievements.

An authentic task is another method of assessing skills through authentic assessment services. This involves an assignment given to the student to assess their ability and to apply their knowledge and skills to everyday challenges. Other methods include:

• Self-Assessment

• Oral Interviews

• Writing Samples

• Story Retelling

• Constructed Response Items

• Demonstrations

• Consultant Observations

In every classroom authentic assessments are performed informally. Teachers regularly assess their students to determine the appropriate time to move onto new concepts and material. The teacher has to decide if students are ready to apply their new learned material in everyday situations and to retain the knowledge into adulthood.

Why do we need Authentic Assessments?

Although traditional and standardized tests help students to memorize their new course material an authentic assessment focuses on applying the knowledge in real world scenarios. In everyday situations “right answer” and “wrong answer” do not apply. The world and workforce is not multiple choices nor is it a matter of black and white. When students leave the classroom and ultimately, enter the workforce, they will need to apply their skills in various contexts that are not simply answers on a test. Students think of testing as a memorization and cramming activity when in fact, learning should be approached from a well rounded prospective. Students should be taught to not only know their material but be able to apply it in their daily lives outside of school. Authentic assessments are a method toward accomplishing this objective.

Lifelong Learn can help teachers implement an authentic assessment tool for the classroom with professional development and education. The consultancy service designs programs from pre-school to higher education institutions, and offers on-site consultations for an enhanced learning environment. For more information about their authentic assessments visit, Lifelonglearn.