Which assessment method tests the ability to apply knowledge in a real-life setting?

Performance-based assessment is designed to measure a student's ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in practical, real-world situations. This type of assessment often involves tasks or projects that simulate actual challenges professionals may face in their field, requiring students to demonstrate their understanding through hands-on activities.

In performance-based assessments, students may be required to complete a project, conduct an experiment, solve a problem, or perform a task that reflects what they would be expected to do outside of the classroom. This method emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of concepts rather than rote memorization.

In contrast, standardized testing typically evaluates knowledge through a series of multiple-choice or short-answer questions, which may not reflect a student’s ability to apply that knowledge in a practical context. Formative assessments are used primarily for monitoring student learning and providing ongoing feedback during the learning process, while diagnostic assessments aim to identify students' strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins. Neither of these types of assessments focuses specifically on applying knowledge in real-life scenarios.