What is a defining characteristic of a performance assessment?

A defining characteristic of a performance assessment is that students demonstrate knowledge through real-world tasks. This approach emphasizes the application of skills and knowledge in practical situations, allowing students to showcase their understanding in a way that reflects how they would use that knowledge outside the classroom. Performance assessments are typically designed to evaluate higher-order thinking skills, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, making them distinct from traditional assessment methods that may prioritize rote memorization or multiple-choice formats.

In contrast, the other options suggest characteristics that do not align with the essence of performance assessments. For instance, gaining feedback only after completion does not support the iterative learning process inherent in performance assessments, which often include opportunities for feedback throughout the task. While multiple-choice exams focus on recall and recognition, performance assessments require students to synthesize and apply their knowledge. Finally, a focus on memorization contradicts the purpose of performance assessments, which aim to evaluate students' abilities to apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.