New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What type of assessment requires students to solve real-world problems?

1. Standardized tests

2. Performance-based assessments

3. Diagnostic assessments

4. Formative assessments

The correct answer is: Performance-based assessments

Performance-based assessments are designed to evaluate students' abilities through real-world tasks, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in contexts that mirror actual situations they might encounter outside the classroom. This type of assessment often involves completing projects, conducting experiments, or engaging in problem-solving activities that require critical thinking and application of concepts. Unlike standardized tests, which typically rely on multiple-choice questions and measure a predetermined set of skills in a more controlled environment, performance-based assessments provide a more holistic view of a student's capabilities. They also differ from diagnostic assessments, which aim to identify students' strengths and weaknesses for instructional purposes, and formative assessments, which are ongoing evaluations aimed at monitoring student learning and providing feedback during the learning process. Performance-based assessments thus serve as a valuable tool for educators to see how well students can apply their learning to solve authentic problems.