Authentic Assessment

Abstract

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.-Tom Bodett Students need to have academic accountability within these projects to meet curricular goals. During this chapter, readers will learn how to create and gather meaningful assessments for the service-learning process. Included will be an example of a portfolio assessment I have used successfully with my students. This can be modified as a powerful assessment tool for any service-learning project in any content area. There will also be lists and descriptions of multiple and varied assessment opportunities. Many teachers love the idea of service learning but wonder where the assessment or the evidence of learning is. Assessments for service learning need to be carefully planned to reflect the learning expectations developed. Having various assessments for the project allows teachers to grade various parts of the service-learning experience, to get a full view of the learning journey. For service learning to be academically successful, it must be firmly rooted in curricular goals and show evidence of learning that can be assessed. This can be done by utilizing several assessments in concert. (Don't worry! It is not as hard as you think!) This chapter will describe one successful model and give many ideas for others as well.