Which term describes a type of assessment that reflects a learner's ability to perform practical tasks?

The term that describes an assessment method focusing on a learner's ability to perform practical tasks is authentic assessment. This type of assessment emphasizes real-world applications and tasks that mirror the challenges faced in real-life scenarios, allowing learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in contexts that reflect actual performance conditions. Authentic assessments are designed to evaluate not just theoretical understanding but also the practical execution of skills, making them particularly useful in skills-based or hands-on learning environments.

In contrast, other assessment types serve different purposes. Formative assessments are typically used during the learning process to monitor student understanding and inform instruction but do not specifically focus on practical tasks. Cognitive assessments mainly evaluate mental processes and understanding rather than practical abilities. Norm-referenced assessments compare a student's performance to that of their peers, which may not necessarily reflect their ability to perform specific tasks in realistic situations.