Assessments

Formative-

Assessment used during the learning process to allow a teacher to modify teaching and learning activities to improve understanding. An example of this would be observations during teaching to see where student are at during learning.

Summative-

Assessment used to evaluate learning or skill at the end of the lesson, project, or year. This is a way for teachers to check to see if students were able to learn the material and retain it. An example of this type of assessment would be a test to see if students understand and have learned the material they were taught.  

Authentic-

Assessment that is a measure of accomplishment. Examples of this are simulations, portfolios and performance of the skills or demonstrations using the knowledge learned. 

As a design graduate, I have constantly supplied portfolio work as a way to measure my learning. It is difficult at times to administer a test on an artistic technique or ability. Many time the submission of a portfolio was really the only way to show that I had learned the skills needed. Creating a project in art that demonstrates the technique learned it often the way art teachers must grade with their subject area being very hands on.