AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT describes the many tools and evaluations used in Rich Environments for Active Learning (REAL's) (Grabinger, 1994). These strategies became important during the early 1990s.
Industry employers challenged schools to train students to think critically, and solve problems in order to meet the demands of the modern workplace (Grabinger).Some of the many elements needed to meet the modern industrial job market are shown in the puzzle at the left. 

CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE

Some of the many elements needed to meet the modern industrial job market are shown in the puzzle at the left.
To see animation, click on REFRESH or RELOAD button in browser
Industry employers challenged schools to train students to think critically, and solve problems in order to meet the demands of the modern workplace (Grabinger).

Rather than transferring knowledge to learners, active learning promotes learning through discovery and learner initiative. Learners need to be self-determined, feel capable, and continually strive to acquire and use the tools they have to learn. Activities are likely to include independent research, cooperative group learning, and discovery laboratories.
The traditional paper-pencil tests do not adequately measure the quantitative and qualitative learning in these environments. To meet the modern demands of the workplace, authentic assessment considers the application and quality of the learning.

Authentic Assessment is designed to evaluate how the student uses new learning rather than how much he or she remembers. It allows the learner to demonstrate problem solving skills, application of knowledge, and communication of the new information. Although paper-pencil tests may be used, the emphasis is on performance tasks like portfolios, demonstrations, and presentations.

The active learning environments encourage the learners to take responsibility for the learning process. Assessment activities may be less structured and more student-centered than traditional testing methods. The learner knows what is to be accomplished before the assessment. Rubrics are often used for this purpose.

Almost everyone has had experience with performance testing similar to authentic assessment. Some have performed in a music recital or an athletic event. Almost all fine arts or athletic classes involve a performance evaluation.

Consider the common written and performance assessment that occurs when a person gets their first driver's license. Although most will succeed on the written test of basic driving skills, the behind-the-wheel" assessment authenticates skills (decision-making, planning, communication, sensory-motor) needed to safely operate a vehicle. 

Comparing traditional testing with Authentic Assessment
Use of written" paper-and-pencil" testing still occurs in most educational institutions. It can be done in a predetermined time frame. The student must review all the material because he usually does not know what items will be tested. The presentation may involve identifying a correct answer (true-false, multiple choice, matching) or a more subjective essay or short-answer type.

"Paper-and Pencil" tests assess the basic information and content retention of the learner. However, success depends on the student's ability to recall facts out of context and restate them. Some essay exams provide queries that require the tester to write a solution to a problem, but there is not a practical application. 

Authentic assessment allows the learner to demonstrate what he knows in many media. The assessment is carried on throughout the learning process. Learners demonstrate how to incorporate the new information into their lives. (For a more detailed comparison, link here to the Comparison Table.)

Although Authentic Assessment is being used more often in schools and industry, its future in public schools may be limited. Over the last five years, public elementary and secondary schools began reinstating standardized written tests to determine achievement and funding models. Teachers feel a need to teach written "test skills." This pressure for high-scores may impact the use of authentic assessment.

Several organizations publish information about REAL's and Authentic Assessment. The North Central Regional Educational Laboratories currently lists several practical articles relating to technology and authentic assessment. Two practical applications are Purposes for Assessing and Integrating Assessment and Instruction in Ways That Support Learning. NECREL frequently updates its information on the site.

Judy Armer, Graduate Student