Week 4 Designing Authentic Assessments

A. Steps in Designing an Authentic Assessment

1. Define Learning Objectives

 Description This initial step emphasizes the importance of clarity in educational goals.
Clearly defined learning objectives serve as the foundation for designing an authentic
assessment that aligns with the intended outcomes of the course.

2. Choose an Authentic Task

 Description Selecting a real-world task ensures that the assessment mirrors the
complexities students may face outside the classroom. This step encourages instructors to
think beyond traditional testing methods and incorporate tasks that have practical
relevance.

3. Align with Standards

 Description Alignment with educational standards and curriculum objectives is crucial for
ensuring that the assessment contributes to broader educational goals. This step
emphasizes the importance of meeting established criteria.

4. Identify Criteria for Success

 Description Defining specific criteria provides clarity on how student performance will be
evaluated. This step involves breaking down the assessment into measurable components
that contribute to overall success.

5. Develop Clear Instructions

 Description Clear instructions are essential for students to understand the task
requirements. This step involves providing explicit guidance on what is expected, reducing
ambiguity and ensuring fair assessment.

6. Incorporate Real-World Context

 Description Placing the assessment in a real-world context enhances its authenticity. This
step encourages educators to consider how the task relates to students' lives or future
professional endeavors.

7. Allow for Creativity and Choice

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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP
  Description Allowing creativity and choice empowers students to showcase their strengths
and preferences. This step fosters engagement by acknowledging diverse learning styles
and preferences.

8. Pilot the Assessment

 Description Piloting the assessment with a small group helps identify any potential issues
or improvements. This step emphasizes the importance of refining the assessment based
on practical insights.

9. Revise and Refine

 Description Based on feedback from the pilot, revisions are made to enhance clarity and
address any identified issues. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement in
assessment design.

10. Implement and Reflect

 Description The final step involves implementing the assessment and reflecting on its
effectiveness. Educators consider how well the task aligns with learning objectives and the
quality of student responses.

Suggested Activity: "Authentic Task Brainstorm"

Objective: Students will collaboratively brainstorm and design an authentic task for a specific
learning objective.

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into small groups.

2. Provide each group with a learning objective from the course.
3. Instruct groups to brainstorm and design an authentic task that aligns with the learning
objective.
4. Emphasize the importance of selecting tasks that reflect real-world challenges.
5. Each group presents their designed task, explaining how it aligns with the learning
objective and discussing potential benefits.

Reflection: Ask students to reflect on the challenges and considerations they encountered during
the task design process. Discuss how well each task aligns with the learning objectives and the
overall course goals.

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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP
B. Factors to Consider When Selecting an Assessment Method

1. Learning Objectives

 Description The alignment with learning objectives ensures that the chosen assessment
method contributes directly to the educational goals of the course.

2. Authenticity

 Description Authentic assessments mirror real-world tasks, providing students with a

meaningful and relevant learning experience.

3. Student Diversity

 Description Consideration of diverse strengths, learning styles, and backgrounds ensures

that the assessment method accommodates the needs of all students.

4. Resources Available

 Description The availability of resources, including technology and materials, influences the
practicality of implementing a specific assessment method.

5. Feasibility

 Description Evaluating the practicality and feasibility of the chosen method within given
constraints ensures successful implementation.

6. Alignment with Instruction

 Description The alignment with instructional methods used throughout the course ensures
a cohesive and integrated educational experience.

7. Flexibility

 Description Flexibility in student expression and interpretation allows for a more

personalized and adaptable assessment experience.

8. Authentic Audience

 Description Inclusion of an authentic audience or context beyond the classroom enhances

the real-world relevance of the assessment.
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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP
9. Feedback Mechanism

 Description Ensuring a clear mechanism for providing feedback is vital for students'
understanding and continuous improvement.

10. Assessment Validity and Reliability

 Description Considering the validity and reliability of the chosen method is crucial for
accurate measurement of learning outcomes.

Suggested Activity: "Assessment Method Match-Up"

Objective: Students will match specific learning objectives with appropriate assessment methods,
considering various factors.

Instructions:

1. Create cards with learning objectives on one set and assessment methods on another set.
2. Distribute the cards randomly to students.
3. Instruct students to match the learning objectives with the most suitable assessment
method.
4. Encourage discussion within small groups to justify their choices based on factors such as
authenticity, feasibility, and alignment.
5. Facilitate a class discussion where each group shares their matches and rationale.

Reflection: Ask students to reflect on the factors that influenced their choices. Discuss how the
variety of assessment methods can cater to diverse learning needs.

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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP
C. Strategies for Designing Rubrics and Scoring Guides

1. Clearly Define Criteria

 Description Clear articulation of criteria provides a framework for assessing student

performance and ensures transparency in evaluation.

2. Align with Objectives

 Description The alignment with learning objectives ensures that the rubric directly reflects
the desired outcomes of the assessment.

3. Use Descriptive Language

 Description Clear and descriptive language in the rubric helps communicate expectations
effectively, reducing ambiguity for both educators and students.

4. Provide Exemplars

 Description Including exemplars for each level of performance offers concrete examples,
serving as a reference point for students to understand expectations.

5. Consider Levels of Mastery

 Description Differentiating between levels of mastery allows for nuanced assessment and
recognition of various degrees of proficiency.

6. Balance Specificity and Flexibility

 Description Striking a balance between specificity and flexibility ensures that the rubric
provides clear guidance while allowing room for individual interpretation.

7. Pilot and Revise

 Description Piloting the rubric with a small sample helps identify any issues. Revisions are
made to enhance clarity and accuracy based on feedback.

8. Communicate Rubric in Advance

 Description Sharing the rubric with students in advance promotes transparency, enabling
them to understand expectations before engaging in the assessment.

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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP
9. Include Self-Assessment

 Description Incorporating opportunities for students to self-assess using the rubric

encourages metacognition and reflective learning.

10. Regularly Review and Update

 Description Regular review and updating of the rubric ensure its relevance and
effectiveness over time, aligning with evolving educational goals.

Suggested Activity: "Rubric Design Workshop"

Objective: Students will collaboratively design a rubric for a hypothetical authentic assessment.

Instructions:

1. Provide a hypothetical scenario or task that aligns with a learning objective.

2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a component of the rubric (e.g.,
criteria, descriptors, levels).
3. Instruct groups to design their assigned part of the rubric, ensuring clarity, specificity, and
alignment with the learning objective.
4. Have each group present their section, explaining the rationale behind their choices.
5. After all presentations, facilitate a discussion to merge the sections into a comprehensive
rubric.

Reflection: Ask students to reflect on the challenges of collaborative rubric design and how
different elements contribute to creating an effective assessment tool.

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Assessment 2. Alignment of Assessment with Learning Objectives RA Morales
College of Education, UEP