Teacher’s Guide to Performance-Based Assessment

by hmgodoy May 10, 2023

Author: By Med Kharbach, PhD
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As educators strive to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, traditional assessment methods alone may not be sufficient. ChatGPT is the tip of the iceberg in an ocean of concerns regarding students performance. We have all seen first hand how chatbots are now redefining how we teach and test our students. And as these bots are getting smarter and smarter, “It is argued that there is a need to rethink the criteria by which the quality of educational assessments are judged”.

I believe that performance-based assessment (PBA) holds the potential to provide a more accurate picture of student mastery than traditional assessments.This form of assessment has emerged as a key tool for evaluating students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations.

Teacher's Guide to Performance-Based Assessment

I am not saying that traditional forms of assessment are no longer relevant, they still have their place for sure but we need to direct our focus towards forms of assessment that can speak to the emerging learnings of our students and PBA is one of these forms.

Performance-based assessments are based on the idea that students should demonstrate their understanding of subject matter through tasks that require them to apply knowledge, skills, and processes. This type of assessment requires creativity, problem solving, collaboration and communication.

In this post, I discuss the concept of performance-based assessment, explain what it is, discuss its benefits and implementation strategies, and how it can be incorporated effectively into the classroom.

What is Performance-Based Assessment?

Performance-based assessment (PBA) refers to a wide range of evaluation methods that focus on students’ demonstration of skills, knowledge, and abilities through authentic, meaningful tasks.

As Colley (2008) stated, “performance-based assessment requires students to demonstrate their learning and understanding by performing an act or a series of acts”. Unlike traditional assessment methods, such as multiple-choice tests, PBAs emphasize higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.

There are several advantages to using performance-based assessments, such as increased student engagement, the promotion of critical thinking skills, and a better understanding of individual student progress. However, PBAs can be time-consuming to design and implement, and require careful planning to ensure consistency and fairness in grading.

Elements of Performance-Based Assessment

Baker et al. (1993, p. 1211), outlined 6 elements of performance-based assessment which are:

1. Uses open-ended tasks
Open-ended tasks are those that do not have a single correct answer or solution. These tasks encourage students to think creatively, critically, and to apply their knowledge in various ways.

Open-ended tasks often involve problem-solving, investigation, or exploration, providing students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding in different ways and from various perspectives.

2. Focuses on higher-order or complex skills

Performance-based assessments emphasize the development and demonstration of higher-order cognitive skills, such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application. These skills go beyond the basic recall or recognition of facts and require students to engage in deeper levels of thinking, using their knowledge to solve problems, create new ideas, or make informed judgments.

3. Employs context-sensitive strategies
Performance-based assessments take into account the context in which learning occurs and are designed to be relevant and authentic to real-world situations. By situating tasks within meaningful contexts, students are more likely to understand the purpose and value of the assessment, leading to increased engagement and motivation.

Context-sensitive strategies also help students transfer their learning to other situations, as they can see the connection between their knowledge and real-world applications.

4. Often uses complex problems requiring several types of performance and significant student time

Performance-based assessments often involve tasks that require students to engage in multiple types of performance, such as conducting research, collaborating with peers, or creating a product.

These tasks are typically more time-consuming than traditional assessments, as they involve various interconnected skills and processes. The complexity of the tasks allows students to demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of their learning.

5. Consists of either individual or group performance
Performance-based assessments can be designed for both individual and group performance. Individual tasks allow students to demonstrate their personal understanding and abilities, while group tasks promote collaboration, communication, and the development of teamwork skills. Both individual and group performance assessments offer unique benefits and can be used to assess different aspects of student learning.

6. May involve a significant degree of student choice
Performance-based assessments often provide students with a degree of choice in how they approach the task or demonstrate their learning. This can include selecting topics for investigation, choosing the format of their final product, or deciding on the methods used to solve a problem.

By offering choices, students are more likely to be engaged and motivated, as they can tailor the task to their interests and strengths. Additionally, student choice encourages the development of decision-making, self-regulation, and self-evaluation skills.

Tips for designing performance-Based Assessment Activities

Here are some practical tips to help you create effective PBAs:

1. Align the assessment with learning objectives
Ensure that PBA tasks directly measure the intended learning outcomes and target the appropriate level of cognitive complexity.

2. Choose appropriate tasks and scenarios
Select tasks that are engaging, relevant, and challenging, while also considering students’ interests, backgrounds, and skill levels.

3. Develop grading criteria and scoring rubrics
Establish clear and objective grading criteria to evaluate student performance consistently and fairly.

4. Incorporate technology and digital tools
This goes without saying, in an an age where generative technology is reshaping the educational landscape, incorporating technology in teaching has become a must. Performance-based assessment is an area where you can use it. More specifically, you can Utilize technology to enhance PBA activities, facilitate collaboration, and streamline the evaluation process.

5. Support diverse learners through differentiation and scaffolding
When creating PBA tasks make sure to account for learners with different learning styles, abilities, and needs. Your PBA tasks must be inclusive to accommodate the diversity of your class.

Tips to help you implement performance-based assessment in your Classroom

To effectively introduce PBAs in your classroom, consider these strategies:

1. Prepare students for performance-based assessment: Set expectations and explain the purpose, process, and grading criteria of the PBA.

2. Facilitate and monitor PBA activities: Provide guidance and support as needed, while allowing students to take ownership of their learning.

3. Provide timely and constructive feedback: Offer specific, actionable feedback to help students improve their performance and achieve the learning objectives.

4. Encourage student self-assessment and peer evaluation: Foster a culture of reflection and self-improvement by promoting self-assessment and peer feedback.

5. Track progress and adjust instruction as needed: Monitor student progress, identify areas of difficulty, and modify instruction to address gaps in understanding.

Where can you use performance based assessment

In fact, you can use PBAs in different tasks, the limits are your teaching goals and assessment purposes. However, generally speaking, some kind of tasks are more amenable to PBA. These include:

1. Project-based learning:
Students work on long-term, interdisciplinary projects that address real-world issues or problems.

2. Simulations and role-playing
Students participate in realistic scenarios, such as mocktrials or crisis simulations, to apply their knowledge and skills in a controlled environment.

3. Presentations and debates
Students research, develop, and present arguments or information on a specific topic, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills.

4. Portfolios and exhibitions
Students compile a collection of their work, showcasing their growth and accomplishments over time.

5. Service-learning projects
Students engage in community-based projects that address social, environmental, or cultural issues while applying their learning in a real-world context.

Examples of Performance-Based Assessment Activities

When creating performance-based activities you need to come up with clear instructions for your students and prepare beforehand assessment questions to go with the task. As Colley (2008) explained, in PBA students are evaluated on whether they follow directions correctly use suitable procedures, whether they provided the appropriate answers, and whether they are able to explain their answers.

With that in mind, here are some examples of performance-based activities that you can use as a guide to help you craft effective PBA assessments:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano:
Materials: A small bottle, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring (optional), dish soap, a tray, and a measuring spoon.

Instruction: Create a mini-volcano by mixing baking soda and vinegar, and observe the chemical reaction.

Assessment task/questions:

a. What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar?
b. How does the addition of food coloring or dish soap affect the reaction?
c. Can you explain the science behind the chemical reaction?
d. Record your observations and explanations on the worksheet provided.

2. Bridge Building
Materials: Popsicle sticks, glue, scissors, and a ruler.

Instruction: Design and build a bridge using popsicle sticks and glue, ensuring it can support a specific weight (e.g., 500 grams).

Assessment task/questions:

a. What type of bridge design did you choose and why?
b. How many popsicle sticks did you use in your bridge?
c. How much weight can your bridge support?
d. Document your bridge design and construction process on the worksheet provided.

3. Plant Growth Experiment
Materials: Bean seeds, potting soil, planting pots, water, and a ruler.

Instruction: Plant bean seeds in separate pots with varying amounts of water and sunlight exposure to observe the effects on plant growth.

Assessment task/questions:

a. How does the amount of water affect plant growth?
b. How does the amount of sunlight exposure affect plant growth?
c. Which pot had the most successful plant growth?
d. Record your observations and explanations on the worksheet provided.

4. Simple Machines: Lever Experiment:
Materials: A ruler, a pencil, a small object (e.g., an eraser), and a set of coins.

Instruction: Create a simple lever by balancing a ruler on a pencil and use it to lift the small object with coins.

Assessment task/questions:

a. How does the position of the fulcrum (pencil) affect the effort needed to lift the object?
b. How many coins were needed to lift the object at different fulcrum positions?
c. Explain the concept of mechanical advantage in the context of the lever.
d. Document your experiment and findings on the worksheet provided.

5. Solar Oven
Materials: A cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, tape, a thermometer, a black piece of paper, and a small item to cook (e.g., a marshmallow or a slice of cheese).

Instruction: Build a solar oven using the provided materials and cook the small item using the sun’s heat.

Assessment task/questions:

a. How does the solar oven work to cook the food item?
b. What was the highest temperature reached inside the solar oven?
c. How long did it take to cook the food item?
d. Record the construction process, observations, and results on the worksheet provided.

Conclusion
Performance-based assessment is a powerful tool for promoting deeper learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills. By incorporating PBAs into your teaching practice, you can better prepare students for the challenges they will face today’s world.

As educators, it is our responsibility to continually refine our assessment practices and strive for excellence in supporting our students’ growth and development. Embrace the possibilities of performance-based assessment and witness the transformative impact it can have on your students’ learning experiences.

References

Baker, O’Neil, H. F., & Linn, R. L. (1993). Policy and Validity Prospects for Performance-Based Assessment. The American Psychologist, 48(12), 1210–1218. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.48.12.1210

Colley. (2008). Performance-Based Assessment. The Science Teacher (National Science Teachers Association), 75(8), 68–72.

Wiggins, G. (1989). A true test: Toward more authentic and equitable assessment. Phi Delta Kappan. 70. 703-713.

Resnick, L. B., & Resnick, D. P. (1992). Assessing the thinking curriculum: New tools for educational reform. In B. R. Gilford & M. C.

O’Connor (Eds.), Changing assessments: Alternative views of aptitude, achievement, and instruction (pp. 37-75). Boston: Kluwer

Baker, E. L., O’Neil, H. F., Jr., & Linn, R. (1990). Performance assessment framework. In S. J. Andriole (Ed.), Advanced technology for command

and control systems engineering (pp. 192-214). Fairfax, VA: AFCEA International.

Berk, R.A A. (Ed.), Performance assessment: Methods and applications. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press

Dunbar, S. B., Koretz, D., & Hoover, H. D. (1991). Quality control in the development and use of performance assessments. Applied Measurement in Education, 4, 289-302.

Siegel, A. I. (1986). Performance tests. In R. A. Berk (Ed.), Performance assessment: Methods and applications (pp. 121-142). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

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