Real world learning and authentic assessment of allied health students

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the understanding of ‘authentic’ and ‘real world’ assessment by the students as well as to find out which of the assessment tasks met the description of ‘authentic’ in allied health.According to Gulikers, Bastiens and Kirschner authenticity is an important element of new modes of assessments.1 Authentic assessment relates to preparing future health care professionals to meet real world challenges. It constitutes learning and assessing students in close alignment with real world situations.Method: A survey was conducted of year 2 students in the Medical Radiation Sciences (MRS) course at Queensland University of Technology. The survey focussed on the definitions of real world learning and authentic assessment. Different assessment tasks in allied health professions were analysed to gain a true reflection of students’ perceptions of authentic real world assessments and their understanding of ‘authentic’.Results: The results of this study identified assessments such as reflective writing, oral presentation, theory exams, role play and online quizzes have been widely used in allied health programs. Students in allied health professions have an understanding of real world learning and authentic assessment; they foresee only some of the assessments in alignment with the definition.Conclusions: The findings of this study will guide future student engagement and understanding of assessment design. It will benefit academics and students in relation to better application of assessment tasks.Reference1. Gulikers JTM, Bastiaens TJ, Kirschner PA. ETR&D 2004;52:67