Four Key Design Parameters for Authentic Assessments

At the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Conference in Cape Town, South Africa earlier this month, I had the opportunity to take multiple deep dives into authentic assessments.

In my second of two sessions, we focused on four key design parameters for creating authentic assessments that engage students and make learning meaningful.

Over the course of the session, we explored these parameters with hands-on tools and templates that helped participants begin to sketch out their own ideas.

Here’s a brief overview of each one:

1. Inquiry: Defining the Challenge

The first parameter we explored was inquiry, which is all about identifying and framing the challenge. Whether it’s a topic, issue, problem, case study, or theme, the idea is to think about the territory of that challenge.

How can we make this problem real and authentic?

The goal is to start by defining the core elements of the challenge and considering how to present it to students in a way that sparks curiosity and invites deeper investigation. By engaging learners with a question or problem that feels both relevant and challenging, we can encourage them to take ownership of their learning.

2. Place: Context Matters

The second parameter we discussed was place.

Where is the challenge happening?

Context plays a huge role in authenticity. Whether it’s within a family at home, a classroom, a neighborhood, or even on a global scale, grounding the assessment in a specific place makes it feel more real.

I loved watching the session participants think about how the scope of a project could shift. For instance, one educator was designing a school garden as an authentic assessment. What was fascinating was how she imagined the project expanding from the school to the community—what if it inspired a local neighborhood garden or even a garden at home?

It’s exciting to see how one place can spark ideas for others, and the concept of place really opens up possibilities for cross-contextual thinking.

3. Target Audience & Deliverable: Reaching Real Audiences

Next, we looked at target audience and deliverable.

Authentic assessments must be designed with real audiences in mind. This means moving beyond the traditional classroom-based assignment formats. Instead of just writing a paper, students might design an infographic or create a 3D rendering.

The key here is to think about the audience for the work—who will see or use it? What format will resonate with them?

Participants had the opportunity to think creatively about how their students could design assessments using modern formats that connect to real-world audiences. By moving beyond the conventional, students engage in work that feels relevant and impactful.

4. Time: Valuing the Process and Product

Finally, we explored the parameter of time.

This is where we really leaned into the value of both process and product. In authentic assessments, it’s crucial to make space for feedback loops and to emphasize the ongoing nature of the work. As learners move through the assessment, they should have opportunities to refine their ideas and incorporate feedback.

We also discussed the importance of creating real “checkpoints” along the way, similar to what you might see in game design or law-making. First drafts are just the beginning, and students should feel invested in the iterative process. Giving time and space for this kind of engagement leads to stronger products and deeper learning.

Wrapping Up

I was truly impressed with the energy and ideas that were generated during this session at the AISA Conference and I can’t wait to see how educators implement these parameters in their own classrooms. Authentic assessments don’t just challenge students—they invite them into real-world contexts where they can apply their learning and make an impact.

It’s about creating a space where the process matters just as much as the product, and where students have the opportunity to shape their own learning experiences.

Looking forward to the next opportunity to dive deeper into this important work!

About Allison Zmuda and Reimagining Curriculum

Reimagining Curriculum: Engaging Learners for an Inspired Future is a newsletter dedicated to helping educators design learning experiences that are dynamic, accessible, and meaningful. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Allison Zmuda shares insights into streamlining curriculum, crafting compelling narratives, and empowering both students and staff to engage deeply in joyful and aspirational learning. Learn more about Allison on her website, allisonzmuda.com.