28 Authentic assessments

Authentic assessments are activities where students demonstrate their knowledge and apply essential skills through professionally and socially relevant formats and situations. These meaningful experiences engage students in applying their learning through contexts that are personally significant, socially conscious, and aligned with their future professional aspirations. By showcasing the practical applications of their studies, these activities enhance students’ intrinsic motivation.

These assignments go beyond simply simulating “real-world” scenarios; they create opportunities for students to connect deeply with course content, explore their identities and values, and develop skills that are valuable in their future careers and lives.

When designing authentic assignments, consider the following elements:

1. Learning Goals: Clearly define the skills and knowledge students should develop through the assignment.
2. Audience:
   • Identify a specific audience with particular needs and perspectives that students must consider in their communication.
   • Consider how assisting this audience can address societal issues or community needs, helping students recognize the broader implications of their learning and fostering social responsibility.
3. Student Role:
   • Assign students a specific role in relation to their audience, such as consultant, specialist, or peer educator.
   • Encourage students to consider multiple viewpoints and cultural contexts, promoting empathy and global awareness.
4. Format: Choose formats that align with the audience and learning goals, such as infographics, blog posts, policy recommendations, or teaching demonstrations. Some examples of authentic summative assessments include Pressbooks, podcasts, learning portfolios, disciplinary writing (submitting a book review to a peer-reviewed journal), service-learning projects, a TED Talk–style presentation, and inquiry-driven research projects. Please review a list of UI-support instructional technologies. Check our Authentic Assignment Examples handout to see more formats.
5. Reflective Activities: Incorporate opportunities for students to reflect on their learning process, personal growth, and the implications of their work in academic and non-academic contexts.

Assessment Strategies

Instructors can evaluate students’ work from the perspective of real-world audiences, such as readers, viewers, or clients. Other important dimensions for assessment:

• The intended audience’s viewpoint
• Alignment with professional standards in the field
• Demonstration of reflective thinking and personal growth
• Effective integration of course concepts with practical application

💡 To design an authentic learning experience for your students, please answer the following questions:

Modified from Paul Anderson and Deandra Little (2014).