Evaluation of student work in higher education remains a cornerstone of academic progress tracking and skill development. Grades serve as a crucial metric for assessing student understanding, providing feedback, and guiding instructional strategies. However, as we prepare the next generation of practitioners and academics in our respective fields, the complexities of modern education in today’s economy demand an approach to evaluation that balances authentic assessment with measurable outcomes aligned to course objectives.
Authentic evaluation practices can:
1. Provide meaningful feedback to students on their progress
2. Help instructors identify areas for improvement in curriculum and teaching methods
3. Ensure accountability and maintain academic standards
4. Prepare students for future professional environments
Authentic evaluation of student progress, then, necessitates much more time and elaborate feedback to improve student writing and discourse skill sets than educators have the ability to give. If assessment strategies not only measure but also prioritize and encourage critical thinking, application of knowledge, and higher-order cognitive skills, how can we support the underlying student needs that make the communication of content knowledge possible?
Want to learn how these principals can be applied to your course and help you achieve better student evaluations? Schedule a demo today!