ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Alternative assessment refers to a method or approach of evaluating the knowledge, skills, and understanding of students that deviates from traditional testing or standardized methods. It emphasizes the use of diverse and authentic assessment techniques that allow students to demonstrate their learning through practical application, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Unlike conventional assessments that rely heavily on examinations, quizzes, and multiple-choice questions, alternative assessment encompasses a broad range of evaluation strategies. These may include project-based assessments, portfolios, performance tasks, real-world simulations, oral presentations, and collaborative group activities. The primary goal of alternative assessment is to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a student's abilities and learning progress beyond mere memorization and regurgitation of information.
A key feature of alternative assessment is its focus on individualized and differentiated evaluation, tailored to suit students' unique learning styles, needs, and interests. It promotes active student engagement and allows learners to showcase their skills in practical, meaningful, and relevant contexts. By incorporating real-world scenarios and problem-solving tasks, alternative assessment encourages critical thinking, creativity, and the practical application of knowledge.
Alternative assessment is often employed to assess complex and higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application. It seeks to assess students' comprehensive understanding rather than mere factual recall. Through diversified evaluation methods, alternative assessment aims to better capture and evaluate the depth and breadth of students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, providing a more holistic and accurate assessment of their learning achievements.
Etymology of ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
The etymology of the word "alternative assessment" can be broken down as follows:
1. Alternative: The word "alternative" originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word "alternativus", which means "interchangeable" or "alternating". It consists of two Latin roots, "alter", meaning "other" or "one of two", and "-tivus", a suffix that forms adjectives indicating the sense or function of something.
2. Assessment: The word "assessment" comes from the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word "assesser", meaning "to assess" or "to tax". The Old French term was influenced by the Latin word "assidere", meaning "to sit beside" or "sit by". The idea of "sitting beside" was associated with appraising or evaluating value and thus evolved to mean assessing or evaluating.
