Time Constraints (Authentic Asssessment)
Time Constraints (Authentic Asssessment)
a student's ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, rather than
just regurgitating memorized information in a timed exam. As Brown and Knight (1994)
note, "authentic assessments require the student to perform a task or generate a
product that demonstrates the application of knowledge and skills" (p. 11).
Furthermore, allowing sufficient time for authentic assessments can help reduce the
impact of test anxiety and give students the opportunity to demonstrate their full
potential. As O'Donnell and colleagues (2008) note, "When students are given ample
time to complete tasks, they are more likely to show what they know and can do" (p.
387).
References:
Brown, J. D., & Knight, P. T. (1994). Assessing learners in higher education. Routledge.
O'Donnell, A. M., Dansereau, D. F., & Hall, R. H. (2008). Knowledge maps as scaffolds for
cognitive processing. Educational Psychology Review, 20(4), 387-401.
One way in which time is critical to authentic assessment is in the design of assessment
tasks. Because authentic assessment tasks are intended to simulate real-world scenarios,
they often require a significant amount of time to complete. For example, an authentic
assessment task in a science class might involve conducting a research project, which
could take several weeks or even months to complete. Similarly, an authentic
assessment task in a language class might involve writing an extended essay, which
could take several hours or even days to complete.
Finally, time is also a crucial factor in interpreting the results of authentic assessment.
The time taken to complete a task can provide insights into students' time-management
skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure. Additionally, time can affect the
accuracy and validity of the assessment results. For example, if a student is rushed or
does not have enough time to complete a task thoroughly, their results may not
accurately reflect their knowledge and skills.
Source:
Wiggins, G. (1993). Assessing student performance: Exploring the purpose and limits of
testing. Jossey-Bass.
One study conducted by Mergendoller and colleagues (2006) examined the impact of
time constraints on student performance in an authentic assessment task. They found
that when students were given more time to complete the task, they produced higher
quality work and demonstrated a deeper understanding of the concepts being assessed.
However, when time was limited, students tended to focus on completing the task
quickly rather than demonstrating a thorough understanding of the material.
Furthermore, the amount of time given for an assessment can also affect its reliability. If
students are not given enough time to complete a task, they may not have the
opportunity to fully demonstrate their skills and abilities, leading to unreliable results.
Reference: Mergendoller, J. R., Maxwell, N. L., Bellisimo, Y., & Strutchens, M. E. (2006).
The effectiveness of problem-based instruction: A comparative study of instructional
methods and student characteristics. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based
Learning, 1(2), 49-69.
Furthermore, time constraints can simulate real-world situations where individuals need
to work under pressure and within specific time limits. This can be particularly relevant in
fields such as medicine or emergency services, where quick decision-making is essential.
Reference:
Moreover, time also allows for a more accurate assessment of a student's abilities as it
enables multiple opportunities for feedback and revision. Students can receive feedback
on their work, make revisions, and demonstrate growth and improvement over time.
Reference: