Edinburgh Napier University

  Innovative approaches to assessment design are an important aspect of this educational era. The new paradigm emphasizes a major consideration which is the validity of assessment tasks in adequately representing the intended learning outcomes. There is a quest for contextuality, hence the limitations of traditional assessments to align to relevant contexts in the wake of rapid technological progress. Considering this, authentic assessments have emerged as a workable alternative by offering a more holistic evaluation of learners’ practical skills. This chapter explores the idea of authenticity and demonstrates how more authentic assessment methods have replaced conventional classroom techniques. It enlightens readers on their different forms and how they are currently being embraced by educators to support real-world learning opportunities that close the knowledge gap between academia and employability. This chapter also highlights the motivational benefits of authentic assessments that enhance the professional and employability skills of learners and points out some challenges.