What defines performance-based classroom assessments?

Performance-based classroom assessments are defined by their focus on evaluating students’ abilities through the demonstration of skills and knowledge in a practical context. These assessments often involve collecting samples of student work, which allows educators to observe the processes students use to complete tasks and the outcomes of those tasks.

This approach often emphasizes authentic learning experiences where students can apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios or specific contexts. By keeping samples of student work, educators can assess not only the final products but also the development and progress over time, providing a more comprehensive view of student learning.

Other options address different types of assessments that do not fit the performance-based model. Standardized testing is typically a one-time assessment that measures students against a uniform set of criteria, without the same focus on individual performance over time. Formal assessments with numerical scores may provide useful data, but they often lack the holistic view that sample collections can provide. Group assessments can foster collaboration but do not specifically define performance-based assessments as they might focus more on collective output rather than individual demonstrations of skill.