FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

When students are given the opportunity to show their learning through varied tasks, this is a benefit of which type of assessment?

1. Norm-referenced assessment

2. Performance assessment

3. Standardized assessment

4. Anecdotal assessment

The correct answer is: Performance assessment

Performance assessment allows students to demonstrate their understanding and skills through a variety of tasks that closely resemble real-world scenarios. This type of assessment focuses on the application of knowledge rather than simply recalling information. By engaging in diverse tasks, students can showcase their learning in ways that highlight their strengths and different learning styles. For example, while one student might excel in a project that requires creativity, another might shine in a practical task that tests problem-solving skills. This approach fosters deeper learning and encourages students to take ownership of their educational process. Performance assessments are often more engaging for students and provide richer insights into their abilities and understanding than other forms of assessment. Other types of assessments, such as norm-referenced and standardized assessments, primarily compare students to one another or measure against fixed standards, which may not accommodate individual learning differences adequately. Anecdotal assessments often provide qualitative insights but do not offer the breadth of learning demonstration that performance assessments do.