The Value of Authentic Assessments

Originally published in November 2024

Keeping it Relevant with Authentic Assessment

Authentic assessment is a pedagogical approach that requires the application of knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios or contexts to demonstrate performance and achievement (Wiggins, 1998). Unlike traditional assessments, which often focus on recalling information through methods such as multiple-choice testing, authentic assessments engage students in tasks that mirror professional or practical challenges. For example, in culinary training, success requires not only understanding a recipe, but also demonstrating the ability to make the recipe effectively. According to Wiggins, an assignment is authentic if it is:

• realistic; 
• requires judgement and innovation; 
• asks the student to “do” the subject; 
• replicates or simulates the contexts in which adults are “tested” in the workplace or in civic or personal life; 
• assesses the student’s ability to efficiently and effectively use a repertoire of knowledge and skills to negotiate a complex task; 
• and allows appropriate opportunities to rehearse, practice, consult resources, and get feedback on and refine performances and products.

Though the purpose of authentic assessment is varied and evolving, instructors commonly develop their approach in order to support students with relevant skills, knowledge, and values related to future readiness as professionals or as social actors, and to preserve academic integrity, especially in the age of evolving AI (Al Amoush, 2023; Ajjawi, et al., 2023; Fawns, et al., 2024). Authentic assessments can deepen the relevance of learning materials by building social and professionalization skills such as teamwork and communication, as well as intercultural competence (Shea, et al., 2024; McArthur, 2022). This can be enhanced by incorporating career-integrated learning and community or workplace partnerships into course planning. Instructors can also design and align reflective and metacognitive components, such as self-assessment prompts, to deepen student learning by having them think critically about the learning that they are doing (Ashford-Rowe, 2014; MacNeil, 2024). 

By utilizing authentic assessments, instructors can bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, preparing students for the potential challenges of life outside the classroom. Teaching Excellence and Innovation invites instructors to consider the varied, creative, and future-relevant approaches to authentic assessments by viewing our new Conversation episode and the examples listed below.

Watch: In Conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists at Laurier

Elaine Cheng from Laurier’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Teaching Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activities to help students develop critical skills in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Her inclusive course design invites students to explore personal interests, engage in debates, and learn how to approach ethical issues in heritage studies. By blending theoretical concepts with current events, she shows students how archaeology connects to contemporary issues and how students can meaningfully apply their degrees in the heritage sector. Watch the episode >>

Don’t forget: you can listen to this episode and more on The Laurier Teaching Podcast

Examples of Authentic Assessments

1. Case Studies: Students analyze a real-world case relevant to their discipline (e.g. a corporate dilemma in business) and propose solutions based on course concepts. Case study assignments can be short, structured “mini” cases for single class lessons or long, scaffolded tasks that lead toward a final case report. For larger classes, you could assign students to develop case studies or business proposals in small groups and include peer assessment.
2. Fact Sheets or Policy Brief: Students identify and communicate relevant evidence to frame a particular issue, problem or need, taking on the role of a researcher or policy analyst for an advocacy organization or the public sector. Policy briefs also include a recommendation to a policymaker to take a particular action. This assignment involves research, synthesis, and persuasive writing skills.
3. Infographics: Students visually represent ideas, information, and data. Using infographics as an assessment strategy allows students to think about data choices as well as information design: how to communicate information visually to a specific reader or audience? Students are supported in understanding the intended audience and how to communicate information or data in a meaningful way based on the needs of their audience, and thereby learn the skills of an increasingly common approach to information communication.
4. Prototyping: Students are given the opportunity to develop a product, proposal or app (prototype). For example, students could either be provided with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for which they write a response, or they could design a prototype based on a real-world issue. This assessment focuses on the application of course concepts and knowledge to produce a proposal or actual product that demonstrates their skills and abilities. Final products could be assessed by a panel of invited externals (e.g. industry partners). In larger classes, students could work in groups, exercising teamwork and communication skills. 

Find more strategies for embedding authentic assessments in this Guide.

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