Revamp Your Assessments (with Examples!)

Traditional assessments are facing disruption, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). With AI-assisted answers becoming more common, educators are challenged to redefine assessment strategies that not only measure student learning accurately but also prepare them for the demands of their future careers. In this blog, we’ll explore the transition from traditional assignments to authentic assessments, the 4 key components of authentic assessment, and how AI tools can be integrated into higher education while safeguarding academic integrity.

The Importance of Authentic Assessment

As educators, our primary goal is to ensure that our students are not only knowledgeable in their chosen fields but also equipped with critical skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Authentic assessments bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence in a meaningful context.

Here are 4 Key Components of Authentic Assessment

1. Alignment With Learning Outcomes: Authentic assessments should align closely with your course’s learning objectives. This ensures that students are assessed on the skills and knowledge you intend for them to acquire.
2. Real-World Relevance: Assignments should mimic real-world tasks or scenarios that students are likely to encounter in their future careers. This relevance helps students see the practical application of their learning.
3. Self-Reflection: Authentic assessments should include opportunities for students to reflect on their performance and learning journey. Encourage them to analyze their strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Peer and Instructor Feedback: Constructive feedback is crucial for growth. Provide mechanisms for students to receive feedback from both their peers and instructors, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Transitioning From Traditional to Authentic Assessments

Transforming traditional assessments into authentic ones isn’t as complicated as you might think; all it takes is a little creativity and the right tools to make it happen. Here are two easy ideas to get you started:

• Research Papers to Live Presentations: Instead of the traditional research paper, have students present their research live or record video presentations. Encourage them to engage in a Q&A session with their peers, simulating a conference-style presentation. This not only assesses their research skills but also their ability to communicate their findings effectively.
• Written Assignments with a Multimedia Twist: Supplement traditional writing assignments with multimedia components. Ask students to create podcasts, upload videos, or design infographics to convey their ideas. This not only assesses their writing skills but also their creativity and ability to present information in diverse formats.

Incorporating AI Into Assessments

While you want to avoid AI from simply handing the answers to your students, there are other creative ways you can incorporate AI into your assignments and assessments. AI tools can be valuable for research and background information, and they should complement, not replace, authentic assessments. And there are some incredible ways you can strike a balance. For example, you might encourage students to use AI tools for initial research and data gathering. AI can provide a wealth of information quickly, allowing students to focus more on analysis and interpretation. Or you might consider assigning projects that require students to use AI tools as a way to improve their writing or communication skills. There are AI-driven writing assistants that can provide grammar and style suggestions, check for plagiarism, and offer feedback on the clarity and coherence of their work. These tools not only improve the overall quality of assignments but also help students learn from their mistakes and understand how to write effectively.

The Role of GoReact in Authentic Assessments

GoReact, with its proven combination of video and feedback, provides a powerful platform for implementing authentic assessments in higher education. It seamlessly integrates with your courses, enabling you to create assignments that align with your learning outcomes, offer real-world relevance, promote self-reflection, and facilitate peer and instructor feedback.

Click here to explore inspiring examples of authentic assessments and see how GoReact can make it easy to add authenticity to your assignments.

AI is changing the game, and it’s time for higher ed to outsmart it. By integrating AI tools thoughtfully and using platforms like GoReact, you can ensure your students receive the holistic education they need to succeed in the real world while protecting the integrity of their academic journey.