How can you balance standardized and authentic assessments?

Balancing standardized and authentic assessments in education is essential to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge, skills, and abilities. To balance standardized and authentic assessments effectively, use a mix of assessment types aligned with clear learning objectives. Combine standardized tests for foundational knowledge with authentic assessments like projects and presentations to evaluate real-world skills. Provide timely feedback, encourage self-assessment, and adapt your strategies based on student performance.

Assessments are always helpful in any case. But when the assessments are based on some rules and regulations then it's the best way to judge the students. There should be a standard which should be maintained for the assessment. It gives exact idea of how the student is. As per the age and studies, a student should be assessed. Assessments create a bond between the students and teachers. Standardized one will give more information and the teacher can exactly tell the student about the areas where they need to improve. It also gives us details of the language that a student is using and curriculum that they are following. By this, we can explain the student for language and communication. Curriculum also will be explained to the students.

In my experience, standardized tests are too narrow. They test a limited range of skills and knowledge, emphasizing areas that can be easily measured within a timed, standardized format. The pressure to achieve high scores on standardized tests can lead to teachers focusing narrowly on the content and skills assessed in the test neglecting holistic academic growth. Standardized tests may contain cultural biases that disadvantage certain groups of students. Questions, language, or examples that are unfamiliar to some students can lead to disparities in scores based on cultural background rather than academic ability.

Keep focus on the students and what they are to learn. A focus on group norms and the students population will always end with the use of standardised assessments. On the other hand, a focus on real individual students learning will motivate teacher's use of authentic assessments.

If it is assumed that all evaluation tends to demonstrate the mastery of acquired knowledge, the simulation can propose an environment conducive to the application of knowledge according to a structure and a practical system that tests the student's development.

The approach taken largely hinges on the course's intended objectives. If the goal is to prepare students for standardized exams leading to nationally or internationally recognized certificates, there's a challenge in avoiding the inclination toward test-oriented preparation, despite its potential artificiality. However, if the aim is to foster a profound comprehension of the discipline's underlying concepts, it's preferable to steer clear of standardized assessments. Instead, employing authentic evaluation methods tailored explicitly to the course content proves more effective. In conclusion, it is necessary to choose between these two methods of evaluation and not to mix them.

Authentic assessments often involve real-world scenarios, allowing students to demonstrate their abilities in practical contexts. Involving students in the design, implementation, and evaluation of authentic assessments can increase their engagement and ownership of the learning process. By incorporating a variety of assessment methods that cater to different learning styles, preferences, and strengths, educators can better capture the diverse set of skills and knowledge their students possess.

I strongly support using standardized assessments in international schools to identify students with additional needs. These assessments are essential tools for learning support teachers, helping to determine if students show signs of disabilities. There are a number of reliable screeners and assessments available for use in educational settings. This phase is crucial in the MTTS inclusive framework, aiding educators and parents in understanding needs, guiding support, and deciding if external evaluation is necessary.