Definition
Performance based assessments measure how well students apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities to authentic problems. A performance-based assessment is open-ended and without a single, correct answer, and it should demonstrate authentic learning. The key feature is that it requires the student to demonstrate or produce something, such as a report, experiment, or performance, which is scored against specific criteria. The final result of the work is assessed using observation and judgment, often using a tool like a rubric.
Why use performance assessment?
- help students acquire and apply knowledge, practice skills, and develop independent and collaborative work habits
- performance assessment is a better tool for gathering evidence about what students can do with their knowledge.
- useful for assessing students’ achievement of complex learning standard
- useful for assessing students ability to apply concepts they learned to solve problems
- help show students what real work in a discipline looks like
- students who are more actively involved in the learning process absorb and understand the material at a much deeper level
- research shows that student performance and achievement increases when they understand the criteria for success with a learning task and apply those criteria as they work
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Examples of performance assessments
- Presentation
- Portfolios
- Performances
- Projects
- Exhibits and fairs
- Debates
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Performance assessment process flow
- Teach students the required knowledge
- Create and distribute the rubric
- Provide freedom within tasks to foster creativity
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Essential components of a
performance-based assessment
- Complex
- Authentic
- Process/product-oriented
- Open-ended
- Time-bound
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Students apply, analyze and create
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