The concept of authentic pedagogy, which has been around for more than a century, is more relevant than ever with the availability of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Assessments that focus on application and creativity encourage students to engage authentically with their learning process.
Generative AI & traditional assessments
Educators worry AI tools like ChatGPT threaten traditional assessment methods, such as essays, lab reports, or coding exercises. Students can turn to generative AI for content to use for these with ease and convenience. However, this technology also allows innovation in teaching and learning beyond these assessments students may find more tired and formulaic.
Authentic activities: The research
Authentic pedagogy immerses learners in active, real-world activities, such as communicating with real audiences, problem-solving meaningful scenarios and case studies, and conducting original research. According to multiple researchers (Lombardi, 2008; Simpson, 2016) unlike passive lectures and repeated tests, authentic activities and assessments boost:
- Academic achievement
- Long-term retention
- Motivation
Students create meaningful work grounded in complex, concrete situations that develop higher-order thinking.
Benefits for students
When students complete authentic assessments, they enjoy multiple benefits: 
-
More intrinsic motivation and engagement
-
Transfer of knowledge
-
Development of higher-order thinking skills
-
Preparation for future workplaces and roles
-
Opportunities to showcase creativity and innovation
-
Reduced risk fo academic dishonesty
The role of AI
The use of authentic assessments may mitigate some of the challenges posed by generative AI: After all, ChatGPT cannot conduct experiments or interviews, but it could assist the research and writing process. Meanwhile, humans must still complete hands-on authentic tasks.
Let's consider one possible authentic assessment: having students conduct interviews to learn more about a subject matter or about the diverse experiences of others. Generative AI can support some of the more rote administrative tasks, such as developing questions to use, but students would still have to conduct the actual interview. AI would support and assist but not supplant the student in their work with authentic assessments. When students see the relevance and value of an assignment, they will use generative AI in a more limited way.
Examples of authentic assessments
What are some other examples of authentic assessments? They include the following:
-
Simulations invite students to adopt roles and collaboratively problem-solve ambiguous situations. Reflection afterward facilitates connections between the experience and course concepts.
-
Scenario-based learning lets students rehearse responding to real-world problems through interactive exercises with feedback.
-
Real-world communication fosters relevance and meaning. Assignments tailored to audiences beyond the classroom include things like websites, Wikipedia pages, blogs, and materials for specific public groups.
Resources
Lombardi, M.M. (2008). Making the grade: The role of assessment in authentic learning. EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 1-16.
Simpson, J. (2016). Authentic learning: Does it Improve pass rates and student satisfaction? Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 4(2), 62-70.
Created on May 3, 2024