The more “non-traditional” or “authentic” assessments are, the more likely students are to submit original work. These types of assessments are those that allow a student to demonstrate their understanding of a concept in ways other than traditional tests or papers. The range of possibilities for this type of assessment helps provide students with the opportunity to use their own unique skill sets to demonstrate mastery. When a student is asked to submit a creative assessment, it is more difficult for them to “borrow” from another source and pass it off as their own work. Instead, require students to “Make” or create something that is not easy to “Find” with a simple internet search.
Below is a table from Jon Mueller’s Authentic Assessment Toolbox, comparing traditional and authentic assessment characteristics that may be helpful in understanding where we are and where we want to take our assessments.
|
Traditional |
Authentic |
|
Selecting a Response |
Performing a Task |
|
Contrived |
Real-life |
|
Recall/Recognition |
Construction/Application |
|
Teacher-structured |
Student-structured |
|
Indirect Evidence |
Direct Evidence |
Students are more invested in creative assessments when they can relate it to something in their own lives AND if they are given a choice as to the format of the assignment. Universal Design for Learning emphasizes allowing students multiple means of expressing their learning. As always, assignments must align with course objectives and demonstrate a synthesis of key concepts.
The likelihood of receiving honest academic work is increased by requiring students to display themselves somewhere in video and/or images, to identify their name, course, and semester, as well as include something unique in their work. The “something unique” could be a local or current event, perhaps in an opinion, comparison, etc.--anything that requires students to connect and synthesize what they are learning in class to something outside of class.
It is important to support students in creative assessments by including or linking to instructions on “How” to make and submit assignments as well as requiring common technology tools as much as possible. We have included links to a number of ideas and instructions you are free to use in your own assignments. It is important to include thorough instructions so the focus remains on the objectives of the assignment rather than getting lost on the “How” to complete it.
Following are some examples of creative assessments: audio, video, concept maps, demonstrations, dramatizations, prototypes, posters/pamphlets, infographics, timelines, presentations (asynchronous or synchronous), alternative writing assignments and book reports, groups projects, E-portfolios, etc. Most of these can be created using common software most students already have access to such as Kaltura, PowerPoint or Google Slides, or the Smart Art tools in a Word document.
Concept maps or mind maps are a great way for students to express their learning. This can be done with pencil and paper and then digitized in an image. The preferred method would be to create it digitally in a PowerPoint or Google Slide. See: Create Mind Maps in a Word document.
Infographics are a graphic visual representation that present information quickly and clearly. Google "infographic generators" to find one such as Piktochart.com or others that students might use. You can also use common software such as PowerPoint or Google Slides, Word, etc. See 15 Free Infographic Templates in PowerPoint.
Having students present their views in a persuasive poster is also an option. There are many simple tools most students have access to, to create a digital poster or flyer. See the following for ideas:
Students should be encouraged to Google the topic and images for inspiration. However, they need to make them into an original composition or their own in some way AND include their sources for images and information.
Timelines can be built using free online timeline generators or created using Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides. See the following ideas:
Audio and/or visual assignments are a great way for students to show their knowledge through a demonstration or presentation.The recording features in Kaltura (My Media) in Canvas is software all students have access to. Students can also use their phones and upload the video to Kaltura. See the following tutorials for additional “How To” information:
