For many of us, sitting for tests and taking examinations would be the familiar way of getting assessed at higher education.     However, to many extents, these assessment methods only encourage regurgitating memorised information and do not promote deeper learning among students. As 21st-century students are also digital-age learners, such assessments should be honed towards the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by industries or future workplaces. 

So, what assessment methods can be better in higher learning? Though not novel, alternative assessments are perhaps the way to assess digital-age learners. For those unaccustomed to this term, alternative assessments evaluate students' learning that differs from traditional exams or tests. These assessments are thoughtfully designed to provide a more thorough and authentic understanding of gaining knowledge, skills, and abilities by students.

There are several reasons why educators should explore alternative assessments when deciding on appropriate assessments for their students to achieve their learning outcomes. A key benefit that allows alternative assessments to stand out is that they encourage deeper learning and understanding of students. This helps them promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills since the evaluations are task- or practical-based and often require analytical and real-time solutions. 

An additional benefit of alternative assessments is that they allow for differentiation and accommodate diverse learning styles. Such assessments enable modifications to support students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities or learning differences. By offering assessments that cater to different modalities, educators can ensure that visual and kinaesthetic learners have equal opportunities to showcase their understanding effectively while fostering creativity and innovation. Moreover, alternative assessments often have educators provide continuous feedback for improvement, thus providing students with opportunities for self-reflection while encouraging a growth mindset.

The common alternative assessments are:    
1. Project-based assessments 
Students work on individual or group projects, which may require skills such as research, analysis, problem-solving, or creative endeavours. Examples include presentations, research papers, case studies, and multimedia projects.

2. Portfolios 
Students will compile a collection of their works over time to showcase their learning and achievements. Portfolios may include essays, projects, reflections, and other artefacts that demonstrate their skills and understanding over the course of time.

3. Performance assessments 
Students demonstrate skills or knowledge through real-world tasks or simulations. Some examples include lab experiments, clinical assessments, simulations, and role-playing exercises.

4. Peer assessments
Students evaluate their peers' work by providing feedback on areas for improvement through insights into each other's strengths and weaknesses. Peer assessment often promotes collaboration and enhances communication skills.

5. Presentations
Students deliver oral/video presentations or demonstrations on a topic, often followed by questions from peers or examiner(s). This assessment method helps develop communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.

6. Authentic assessments
Assessments are usually designed to mirror real-world situations or challenges relevant to students' future careers or academic pursuits. The assessments may involve solving complex problems, analysing case studies, or engaging in hands-on activities related to their field of study.

Overall, alternative assessments assist digital-age learners in being more equipped upon completing their tertiary education while, on the other hand, providing educators with creative and exemplary ways to assess one’s students learning and development.

Priyadharshini Ahrumugam
School of Arts
Email: @email