What is
Alternative Assessment
Alternative assessment is an evaluation method that moves beyond traditional exams and quizzes to measure a student’s ability to apply knowledge in more flexible, meaningful, and often student-driven ways. Alternative assessments emphasize demonstration of learning through projects, performances, portfolios, and other authentic tasks rather than recall-based testing. Research strongly supports the value of this approach: a 2021 meta-analysis found that performance-based and alternative assessment formats improved learning outcomes by an average of 19% compared to traditional testing methods (Santos et al., Educational Assessment Review, 2021).
Why alternative assessment matters
In higher education, alternative assessment provides a more holistic view of student understanding. According to the University of Bristol’s guide on Inclusive Teaching and Assessment, alternative assessments is designed to fulfill learning outcomes while offering diverse ways for students to demonstrate achievement—helping learners play to their strengths and bringing their varied talents and experiences into how they are evaluated. They allow instructors to evaluate not just what students know, but how they think, communicate, and apply knowledge in complex or novel situations. These assessments also create opportunities for creativity, choice, and student agency—key factors shown to increase academic motivation and persistence.
Educational reform advocate Grant Wiggins famously stated, “The goal of assessment is not to evaluate but to educate.” This perspective underpins the philosophy behind alternative assessments: evaluation should actively support learning, not merely measure it. For more approaches that complement alternative assessment, see Top Hat’s guide with 25 ideas to assess and grade.
Key characteristics of alternative assessment
Alternative assessment typically includes the following criteria:
Flexibility in format: Students may choose how they demonstrate mastery—via multimedia, writing, presentations, or design artifacts.
Emphasis on higher-order thinking: Tasks require analysis, synthesis, or creation rather than recall.
Real-world relevance: Assignments mirror professional or disciplinary contexts.
Iterative learning: Many alternative assessments involve drafts, revisions, and instructor or peer feedback.
To see how this compares to traditional evaluation methods, explore our glossary entry on Norm-Referenced Assessment.
Examples of alternative assessments in higher education
Common forms of alternative assessments include:
Portfolios: Students compile work over time to showcase growth and mastery.
Capstone projects: Final interdisciplinary or real-world projects demonstrating cumulative learning.
Presentations and demonstrations: Students articulate their understanding to an audience and defend their thinking.
Case analyses: Students explore complex scenarios and propose solutions rooted in discipline-specific knowledge.
Self- and peer-assessment: Learners reflect critically on their own work or the work of their peers.
These approaches encourage deeper engagement, promote metacognition, and support more inclusive evaluation practices—particularly for students who may not perform as well on timed, high-stakes exams.
How Top Hat supports alternative assessment
Top Hat supports alternative assessment by giving instructors the flexibility to move beyond traditional tests and empower students to demonstrate learning in diverse, creative ways. With customizable assignments, multimedia question types, and options for open-ended or project-based submissions, educators can design assessments that align with real-world tasks and varied learning styles. Students can upload videos, presentations, documents, or reflections, receive timely feedback, and revise their work—all within a single cohesive platform. Top Hat makes it seamless to implement portfolios, case studies, peer evaluations, and other alternative assessment formats that provide a more authentic and inclusive picture of student understanding.