FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In what type of educational assessment would performance be key to measuring aptitude?

1. Formative assessment

2. Summative assessment

3. Performance-based assessment

4. Peer review

The correct answer is: Performance-based assessment

Performance-based assessment is centered around a student's ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills through various tasks or projects that simulate real-world challenges or applications. This type of assessment emphasizes the actual performance and execution of skills rather than just recalling facts or figures. Students engage in activities that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, which makes it a holistic approach to measuring aptitude. This method allows educators to evaluate not only what students know but how well they can apply that knowledge in practical scenarios. It provides insights into students' capabilities and readiness for future challenges, particularly in skill-based subjects. In contrast, formative assessments typically focus on monitoring student learning and provide ongoing feedback rather than measuring final outcomes. Summative assessments usually evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit, often through tests or exams that may not capture a student's hands-on skills. Peer review involves students assessing each other’s work, which is valuable for feedback but does not primarily assess individual performance in relation to standards of aptitude.