What does performance assessment involve?

Performance assessment primarily involves evaluating nonwritten behaviors and/or nonverbal performances. This method of assessment is focused on observing students in action, allowing educators to gauge their understanding and application of skills in real-world or simulated contexts. It encompasses a range of activities such as presentations, demonstrations, performances, and practical tasks, which provide insight into a student's abilities beyond what traditional written assessments can capture.

This type of assessment emphasizes competencies that are critical for success in various fields. For instance, in areas like the arts, physical education, or sciences, the ability to express knowledge through practical application is invaluable. It also encourages students to engage more deeply with the material, as they are often required to demonstrate skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in a more tangible way.

While standardized tests, written examinations, and group project evaluations play roles in the broader landscape of educational assessment, they do not specifically align with the core aspects of performance assessment that focus on active, observable behaviors and interactions. Thus, the identification of nonwritten behaviors as a hallmark of performance assessment is the key reason for this choice being correct.