What characteristic often defines performance-based assessments?

Performance-based assessments are fundamentally anchored in the requirement for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through practical application. This form of assessment moves beyond traditional measures of learning, such as written tests, and shifts the focus toward real-world tasks and projects. By requiring students to engage in activities that require them to apply what they have learned, these assessments effectively evaluate not just knowledge retention, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to use skills in various contexts.

Furthermore, this approach often involves tasks that mimic real-life scenarios, allowing students to showcase their ability to transfer knowledge to new situations. This makes performance-based assessments particularly relevant in teaching practices that emphasize experiential learning and the importance of practical skills in education.