Embedding assessment flexibilities for future authentic learning

Studies reporting flexible assessment strategies and their impact across different modes of study remain limited with little emphasis placed on the role these arrangements play in devising authentic assessment processes. This paper synthesises recent research work depicting flexible design principles and practice strategies for how educators might effectively and with confidence move assessment forward in ways that prepare students for a multitude of future possibilities. Evidence is presented for how such assessment arrangements can be created to allow for a valid and authentic representation of student performance in increasingly digital learning environments. Authentically future-facing assessment in higher education needs to be adaptable, ideally offering an element of flexibility and agency to students which helps them to continuously connect what they are learning – ideas to thinking, principles to problems, theory to practice, learning to life.