Authentic Assessment

Do you believe that authentic assessment is possible in every subject area? Can students at every grade level demonstrate mastery through authentic assessment? Why or why not? It it practical to ask teachers to complete these types of activities in the current, high stakes testing environment?


I do believe that authentic assessment is possible in every subject area.  For instance in math, kids can write their name in block letters and use rulers to measure the perimeter. In reading, students can design a mind map using Google Docs or Microsoft Word.  In Social Studies, students can research and then compare and contrasts two presidents and make a venn diagram on the computer. In science, students can make a video about a science topic like condensation. 

Yes, students at every grade level can demonstrate mastery through authentic assessment. In the primary grades, teachers can start slow and begin with publishing a small story on the computer and build from there. 

It is practical to ask teachers to complete these types of activities because it is real learning and students take away from the lesson a higher level of learning.  There has to be a balance though between real authentic learning and teaching for the test.  Kids do need to know how to read texts and give one answer solutions.  However, kids also need to learn how to discover answers with multiple solutions. 

Motivation

How can I increase motivation in my classroom using "intrinsic motivation" instead of "extrinsic motivation"?  I agree it is getting harder and harder to motivate students.  I started out this year using extrinsic motivation. I offered candy, stickers, and other fun things to motivate students.  Now, students do not want to do things or go the extra mile without some sort of recognition or reward. As an educator, it can be frustrating to know the kids are only working to earn a reward.
I am eager to try something new to see if I can increase intrinsic motivation in my classroom.  After watching the Pink video on increasing motivation, I have decided to implement a new Friday plan.  This plan will be to set up seven centers around the classroom that involve higher order and creativity.  The students will be given the autonomy to complete the tasks in any order, any means they want (paper/pencil or computer), and take as long as they need. The requirement is that each student will have to complete each activity by the end of the day on Friday.
I am hoping this new plan will boost motivation, creativity, ownership, and intrinsic motivation.