What type of assessment measures student understanding of both the learning process and the product?

Authentic assessment is designed to evaluate not only what students have learned but also how they engage with the learning process itself. This type of assessment emphasizes real-world tasks and challenges, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in practical contexts. By focusing on authentic experiences, these assessments provide richer insights into student learning, both in terms of the end product and the strategies employed throughout the learning journey.

In contrast, standardized assessments typically focus on measuring knowledge and skills through predetermined tests, often under controlled conditions, without reflecting the complexity of students’ processes or their ability to apply learning in real-world situations. Formative assessments primarily aim to monitor student progress and provide ongoing feedback to enhance learning, focusing on the process rather than the final outcome. Summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period, measuring what students have learned, but they do not capture the learning process itself. Therefore, authentic assessment stands out as the most comprehensive approach to evaluating both student understanding and the procedures they use in their learning.