Traditional vs. Authentic Assessment

Traditional assessments refer to conventional methods of testing, usually standardized and use pen and paper with multiple-choice, true or false or matching type test items.

• Purpose: evaluate if the students have learned the content; to determine whether or not the students are successful in acquiring knowledge; to ascribe a grade for them; to rank and compare them against standards or other learners.

Examples:

True or False; multiple choice tests

standardized tests

achievement tests

intelligence tests

aptitude 

Authentic assessments refer to assessments wherein students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of what they have learned.

• Purpose: to measure students’ proficiency by asking them to perform real life-tasks; to provide students many avenues to learn and demonstrate best what they have learned; to guide instruction; to provide feedback and help students manage their own learning; to also evaluate students’ competency.

examples:

demonstrations

hands-on experiments

computer simulations

portfolios

projects

multi-media presentations

role plays

recitals

stage plays

exhibits