Alternative Assessment

Alternative Assessment

Definition:

• The essence of alternative assessment is that students are given the opportunity to do one or more of the following:
  • Demonstrate their ability
  • Perform a meaningful task
  • Receive feedback in terms of relevant and defensible criteria
• In short, the purpose for using alternative assessments is to assess students’ proficiency in performing complex tasks that are directly associated with learning outcomes.
• An Annotated Bibliography
  • This document provides an overview of existing research regarding alternative assessments, with an emphasis on how they might be implemented in real-world situations. Given the volume of literature on the topic, this is a working document, to be expanded as the literature is explored.

Advantages:

• Provides a means to assess valued skills
• Promotes critical thinking
• Provides for demonstration of applied knowledge
• Promotes the student learning at a deeper level
• Is an example of active learning and when done in groups is active and collaborative learning.
• Research shows that students are highly engaged.
• Typically students satisfaction when they engage with alternative assignment.

Challenges:

• Time and effort on the part of the instructor and students
• Grading may be viewed as more subjective
• Student knowledge of technology

Alternative Assessments Suggestions

One of the most challenging aspects of teaching in the remote and online environment is the assessment of student learning. Faculty seeking ways to assess what students have learned and to reduce incidents of academic dishonesty may consider implementing alternative assessments. Alternative assessments promote an authentic assessment of student learning.

Alternative assessments are used to determine what students can and cannot do, in contrast to what they do or do not know. They encourage students to learn to apply knowledge rather than memorize material.

Examples of Alternative Assessments