The only authentic assessment I have had experience with teaching online is in regard to portfolios (usually in a capstone course). It provides students an opportunity to put together the best examples of their written work, learning applications, and allows them to reflect and showcase the best of the best. Eric
The class I teach has lab assignments. The lab assignments are real world things that the student will have to do when they finish the program and are in the job they want to be in. I think they are very important to have early on to see if the profession is for you.
I am a strong advocate of using authentic assessment in online courses. I use short answers, essays, and rubrics. These assessments allow me to see what the students know and don't know, and how well they can apply their knowledge per the learning objectives of the class. You are able to assess these types of things in traditional assessments (i.e. multiple choice), but authentic assessments hinder the student's ability to hide behind the question. I explain to each student up front that such problems should be solved using real world situations because it allows the student and myself to see how well they have absorbed the information, and are able to transfer the information. As for rubrics, they can be difficult to develop, but I found that they bring a level of equity and consistency to the grading process, and also decrease the amount of time spent making evaluations. Most of all, the students have a road up of sorts to determine how their answers should be developed. This information is made know to the students prior to the beginning of the term so they know what to expect, and what are my expectations in the class.
Kimberley,
I would! You want them to make the connection with their learning to the real world so the can see how to use ti and then assimilate it in their own professional lives.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my course discussion board we do use real world scenarios to get students to discuss the topic and apply it to the scenario in order to find a solution or solve an issue. Here they apply the course material to the real life situation in hopes that what is learned in the course they will mimic when they are in their own work environment. Does this count as an authentic assessment?
Thank you
Valerie,
What great strategies. The connection to work/life situations adds a richness to the learning and provides the connection many students need to help with their learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cristy,
You are right and it helps me stay focus when I evaluate their papers. It makes me more objective too.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have used Authentic assessment by providing discussion topics that relate to something occurring currently. I also ask the learner to provide examples from their current or past life/work situations. They must explain the situation in depth as a journal entry.
Valerie Miller
I agree, I think that the rubric helps the student stay focused on what the expectations are for the assignment. It is easy to loose track of the assignment goals and the rubric helps the student stay focused.
Sabrina,
Great idea! You really have to make the connection to your course's content to the real world and discussion is such a good way to do that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yes. Students’ were asked within a discussion forum to list different job responsibilities for a Patient Registrar, Coder, and Accounts Receivable Specialist. In addition, what kind of tools and resources each title utilized to successfully accomplish daily tasks? By learning the different job responsibilities for each title and demonstrating which one interest students’ the most, students’ started utilizing additional learning resources to help them become proficient and knowledgeable within the healthcare field.
Sabrina S.
Erica,
Great post. I think it also makes students develop critical thinking regarding the evaluation of other students' papers. They need to learn to be able to give constructive feedback and they need to write it well too.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Based on the definitions of both types of assessment, I don't use many authentic assessments. Most of my assessments are alternative assessments. The only assignment I require, which can be considered an authentic assessment, is a peer review. I am an English teacher and in my 6th (out of 8 weeks) week, after I have been the editor in chief of all submitted assignments, I have students pair up and edit each other's papers. They are to look for all of the grammar rules we have learned, and also, provide feedback regarding organization and essay development. I am considering this an authentic assessment because they have to show what they can know through action, rather than simply respond to a question or formulate an opinion.
Annabel,
What a great strategy to have students explain their learning. It makes them think about it more. You do want them to apply their skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
Great post! I am reading a book now called Cheating Lessons by James Lang about the culture of assessment and the impetus to cheat. It really does talk about the different views of cheating. It has been a eye opener already. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Augustine,
What absolutely fantastic strategies. This is so innovative and really does incorporate learning and assessment in a variety of ways. What do your students think about it?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Khal,
Good for you! This is my opinion, but. . . . I think we need more math instructors like you. Students have to connect math to their career and/or major. They have to learn to value it and for most students that won't happen unless math instructors like you "connect the dots" for them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jennifer,
Portfolios can really create a solid learning environment. I also think it teaches students to give and receive constructive feedback which is real world.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sarah,
It is a start. You just want to find ways for students to showcase their work, in a more realistic setting or environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello,
In the computer applications course we use several authentic assessments. Students are asked to discuss how people in various careers utilize the applications we are learning. The students typically write a 3 - 4 paragraph response regarding their findings. This is very helpful, because the assessments encourages the student to think about how they will be using the applications in their own personal lives and careers.
Warm Regards,
Annabel
