1)+What+is+an+authentic+performance+task?

==In the space below, describe your definition of an Authentic Performance task. This page is not for the facts, but for opinions. When you have finished, click on page 2) Learning and Research (located in the navigation bar on the left-hand side) to investigate some websites around Authentic Performance tasks. ==

Authentic performance tasks are a great fit with Social Studies. These tasks are related to what happens in the real world and can be very relevant to a student's personal experiences and history. In authentic performance tasks the student creating and performing/presenting the task gains new insights into their own knowledge and skills. The audience also learns from the presentation as well and leaves with new knowledge and levels of understanding. Students will be able to transfer the skills used to create the authentic performance task into future school and work situations. Heidi S.

Authentic performance tasks describe a set of skills used to function effectively in the "real world"; these tasks are not age specific, but are situational. They may involve role-playing and/or problem-solving skills. Action and interaction are usually required on some level, especially since such real-world tasks affect other people. There is no single, right way to complete a performance task or, in the case of students performing said tasks, to demonstrate understanding of a concept. Authentic performance tasks involve a variety of high-level skills, including analysis, inferencing, interpretation and application. The success of the task may be defined by the desirability of the results, just like in real life (i.e., did you get what you wanted out of the encounter or experience?). Above all, authentic performances are //**real,**// not contrived; the completion of such a task should effect change on the student and/or the audience in some measurable way. Shawna H.

An authentic performance task would be having the students apply the learning in the class--for instance writing a cover letter--to a real life situation. In this case they might have to write a REAL cover letter to accompany their resume for a job they are applying for. You have written several practice drafts of a cover letter in class, so they know all the important things to mention for specific jobs. The authenticity makes the task much more relevant and encourages student buy in. Mary L.

For me, an authentic performance task in my area of instruction (language arts) relative to writing a five paragraph essay response would be the "active essay" activity prior to writing the rough draft. In this activity five students present their roles at the front of the class. The first students explains that his/her purpose is to introduce himself or herself as the topic of the discussion by giving a little background information and ending with an opinion of himself or herself. The second student explains why he or she is the first reason for having this opinion; the second student explains the second reason he or she has this opinion, and the third student explains the reason he or she has the opinion. The reasons should all be different, but relative to the main opinion. Finally, the last student wraps up what has been said. This is authentic because the students have to apply hands on techniques to illustrate their role in the essay process.

Tony D.

An authentic assessment is something that requires the student to use prior knowledge (or is currently learning) to address an issue that relates to the "real world." In science there are many issues that could be adressed. For example, I have my students become lab technicians that will test "urine" to determine underlying health factors of the individual being tested. This simulation allows students to understand the concepts behind urinalysis, why it is done, and how homeostatic imbalances affect the human body - Kindra L.

A performance task is an assessment that uses an authentic task that an adult may have to perform in real life. Students are asked to complete the task in order to assess their learning. This kind of assessment forces students to solve real problems or come up with solutions or products that a real adult would in real life. It helps students to see the value of what they are learning and apply what they have learned cumulatively and in a real world context. -Michele B.

In my opinion an authentic assessment is when the students apply what they have learned in class to a real world problem. They could determine how much paint they should by to paint a room. They would need to first determine the surface area and then figure out how much surface area one gallon of paint would cover. After they determine that, then they would need to determine how many gallons to purchase and if it is cheaper to buy the ten gallon buckets. The students could be given a budjet that they would have to stay with in also. Jackie P.