I frequently use authentic assessments. Since I teach video production, I often ask my students to complete real-world type of projects, such as making commercials, documentaries, and instructional videos. They complete many of the tasks in a classroom environment that they would complete outside of school.
Authentic Assessments is something that my personal college has just began integrating into the course material. I am excited to see how the students adapt, and what they think of the learning experience. They will have portfolios that they will be working on throughout their courses. I'm excited about this addition.
Cally,
I think that is such a smart way to tie together your course content with critical thinking of the student to determine learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ted,
You make a couple of great points. At my institution we work hard to develop experiential learning for all students both f2f and online. This does present a challenge.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Marcia,
What a great "real world" use of authentic assessment. It really gives meaning to your assessments.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
We like to have students work towards the end product of a portfolio. So when they leave the course it is filled with everything they have learned throughout the course. It is a great assessment tool and they feel a sense of accomplishment when they get done.
Portfolios are used in some classes. Observations are good, especially if the student has to present to the class. Field projects are good as it gets the student in the real world to learn by doing.
For the Project Management Graduate degree program in which I teach, the Capstone Course requires the use of an ePortfolio. The student is required to populate the ePortfolio with artifacts produced in each course that is part of the Project Management degree. This Architecture is shaped by industry standards, is aligned with real work industry standards, and encourages an active role of students in the learning process.
Dr. Marcia L. Brown
LE,
What a great way to assess. You make a great point about the need of a "good" rubric.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kathleen,
Don't you love giving projects that have real applications and see students work them? It is important for students to see that real application.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Our school focuses on the use of Authentic Assessment over Objective Assessments. Students are given an opportunity to apply the theories and skills that we teach in every class. I like to use case studies and evaluate the application of the skills and theories taught in class to address the issues identified in the case. A good rubric is also essential in this process.
My Microsoft Office course lends itself to authentic assessment. For example, in Excel I have students compare the cost of three vacations and then create a spreadsheet and chart illustrating their findings. They have to create comparable "real life" documents in Word and PowerPoint.
revonna,
What a great way to incorporate student experience in their learning. It show they apply. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Susan, I think that is so creative. I like this idea. Do you find the students excited more in learning by using this concept? Great strategy for learning thanks for sharing.
Adib, do you find that students open up to their colleagues about various experiences more based on their maturity level? Also, do you find students especially younger students who recently graduated from undergraduate contributing much? Just curious.
I have used authentic assessment in my online courses by allowing students to provide their opinion and experiences in various discussion board questions. The students have an opportunity to share their experiences by sharing their knowledge and skills on the task required. For an example, one assignment may ask students to provided a sample copy of their budget and financial statements. Students are allowed use bogus numbers, however, we do have some students who share the truth about their finances and students find ways to assist in giving pointers from their life experiences on what works and what does not work. Sometimes, students would recommend to pay off debt with the highest interest rate first and some may agree to pay off the small bills first and then apply that money to paying off other bills. This has always been interesting feedback to see what work for students and does not work and why?
Gwenda,
That is difficult for change. Hopefully you will be able to provide feedback regarding assessment. You will be ready!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Unfortunately, my school designs all the online courses for us and does not allow authentic assessments. instructors are not allowed to alter the course ore requireemnts in any way. Our only evaluation tool is written papers submitted by the students.
Robert,
I love this! I may actually use this. What a great way for them to put into words what they have learn.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Melissa:
You are right, it does make students focus holistically on writing. There isn't always a way to do that and sometimes a rubric does make students focus details.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
