From authentic assessment to authenticity in assessment: broadening perspectives
Article
Ajjawi, R., Tai, J., Dollinger, M., Dawson, P., Boud, D. and Bearman, M. 2023. From authentic assessment to authenticity in assessment: broadening perspectives. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education. 49 (4), pp. 499-510. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2023.2271193
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | From authentic assessment to authenticity in assessment: broadening perspectives |
Authors | Ajjawi, R., Tai, J., Dollinger, M., Dawson, P., Boud, D. and Bearman, M. |
Abstract | For over 30 years, the notion of authentic assessment in higher education has been adopted in academic practice, but it has managed to escape substantial critique. Although there have been multiple definitions and operationalisations of authentic assessment, current practice tends to foreground mimicking of work tasks. Authenticity cannot be completely unmoored from the reality of workplaces, the demands of the discipline, and the overall intended learning outcomes, however, a restricted view of how these aspects are represented in assessment can limit the sector’s ability to prepare graduates who can engage with and shape the changing world. This paper elaborates the multiple challenges that some conceptualisations of authentic assessment contribute to assessment planning, recognising that assessment design always requires compromise. Three theoretical perspectives on authenticity are introduced to open new possibilities for authenticity in assessment. These are (1) psychological authenticity; (2) ontological fidelity; and (3) practice theory perspectives. The final section discusses how learning design might offer a means to operationalise theory. The paper concludes by suggesting that authenticity in assessment continues to hold value for the sector beyond its current uses through stronger theoretical conceptualisation and operationalisation of authenticity. |
Keywords | Authentic assessment; authenticity; assessment; theory; task design |
Sustainable Development Goals | 4 Quality education |
Middlesex University Theme | Creativity, Culture & Enterprise |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis (Routledge) |
Journal | Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education |
ISSN | 0260-2938 |
Electronic | 1469-297X |
Publication dates | |
Online | 19 Oct 2023 |
18 May 2024 | |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 2023 |
Deposited | 07 Jan 2025 |
Output status | Published |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Copyright Statement | © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2023.2271193 |
Web of Science identifier | WOS:001085788300001 |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/14749x
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From authentic assessment to authenticity in assessment broadening perspectives-2.pdf | ||
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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