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Scenario-Based Authentic Assessment in Large Enrollment Courses

As educators, we strive to create meaningful assessments that measure students’ real-world understanding and application of course concepts. This is where authentic assessment becomes invaluable, especially in preparing students for the practical challenges they’ll face in their careers. In this post, I’ll delve into what authentic assessment entails, its benefits for higher education, and how to overcome the unique challenges of implementing it in large enrollment courses. I’ll also share practical strategies for designing auto-graded, scenario-based multiple-choice questions, making authentic assessment both feasible and impactful.

What is Authentic Assessment?

Authentic assessment is an approach where students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through tasks that mirror real-life situations. Unlike traditional exams that often focus on memorization, authentic assessments require students to apply what they’ve learned to scenarios they might encounter outside the classroom. This could mean analyzing case studies, solving complex problems, or making decisions based on situational factors relevant to their field.

Why is this important in higher education?

In a world where employers seek graduates who can think critically and act decisively, authentic assessment helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional application. It encourages students to think beyond theoretical boundaries and gives them a taste of how their skills will be used in the workforce.

Challenges of Authentic Assessment in Large Enrollment Courses

One common barrier to implementing authentic assessments in large classes is the significant grading and feedback workload. Traditional authentic assessments often require detailed responses, complex problem-solving, and individualized feedback—all of which become daunting with hundreds of students. However, the alternative of sticking solely to objective assessments can leave a gap in students’ ability to apply knowledge in a practical, nuanced way.

Solution: Scenario-Based, Auto-Graded Multiple-Choice Questions

One effective way to incorporate authenticity without overwhelming your grading capacity is to use short, scenario-based multiple-choice questions that can be auto-graded. When crafted carefully, these questions can simulate real-world decision-making and problem-solving, while providing immediate feedback for students.

The following example from Christy Tucker illustrates revising a multiple choice question to create an authentic scenario-based question.

Traditional Question:

In motivational interviewing, which interaction technique encourages people to explain their perspective, situation, and needs?

Revised Authentic Question:

Dr. Pittman is working with a 47-year-old male patient, Blake. Blake is diabetic, and his last A1C was 8.4. His blood pressure has been slightly elevated for the past 3 visits. Dr. Pittman is providing a brief intervention to encourage healthier diet and exercise choices.

What is the best question to ask, according to motivational interview techniques?

How to Design Effective Scenario-Based Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Start with a Realistic Scenario: Think about situations that professionals in your field commonly face. For example, a business course might present a scenario in which a manager must make a budgeting decision under constraints, while a health sciences course might describe a patient scenario requiring diagnostic reasoning.
2. Ask Application-Focused Questions: Frame questions that require students to use their knowledge in context. Rather than asking them to recall facts, challenge them to choose the best course of action, identify a problem, or prioritize options based on the scenario.
3. Limit the Choices to Complex Options: Use distractors (incorrect answers) that seem plausible, which requires students to apply critical thinking to distinguish between them. This not only elevates the level of engagement but also mirrors the ambiguity often found in real-world decisions.
4. Use Branching Logic: Consider branching questions where the answer to one question influences the next. This can simulate decision-making pathways and add an additional layer of depth to the assessment.

Sourcing Scenarios: Staying Relevant to Your Discipline

Finding relevant scenarios is crucial. Here are some practical sources:

• Professional Journals and Publications: Look for recent case studies, issues, and innovations within your field. Journals often contain real-life scenarios that you can adapt.
• Industry News and Reports: Keep an eye on recent events and emerging trends in the professional world. For example, a marketing course could use recent advertising campaigns or brand strategies as the basis for questions.
• Textbook Case Studies: Many textbooks offer case studies or examples that can be adapted for scenario-based assessments. Make sure to adjust them as needed for brevity and clarity.
• Collaboration with Industry Experts: If possible, consult with professionals in your field for insights into current challenges and typical scenarios they face.

Authentic assessment doesn’t have to be overly complex or time-consuming. By using well-designed, scenario-based multiple-choice questions, you can provide students with meaningful practice in real-world application, even in large classes. With a bit of creativity and the right resources, scenario-based assessments can foster critical thinking and prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Additional Resources

S.R. Haynes, L. Spence and L. Lenze, “Scenario-based assessment of learning experiences,” 2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, San Antonio, TX, USA, 2009, pp. 1-8, doi: 10.1109/FIE.2009.5350730. keywords: {Technological innovation;Continuing education;Programming profession;Object oriented programming;Educational programs;Learning assessment;scenario-based methods;learning activities}

Tucker, C. (2024, September 17). Mini-Scenarios for assessment. Experiencing Elearning. https://christytuckerlearning.com/mini-scenarios-for-assessment/

Categories active learning, article, authentic assessment