Designed to creatively encourage application of course themes and discipline-specific theory and concepts, this task requires students to select a book (from a list of relevant texts) and construct a 1000 word review. Attention should be paid to addressing the effectiveness of various texts to engage complex or abstract ideas.

Underpinned by the principles of authentic assessment, this task gives students an opportunity to develop their skills with research and communicating economic thinking. This experience replicates the type of ‘real world’ work that economists undertake. In ECON2060, students determine their own research question and design practical and feasible methods to answer their question.

Practitioners often criticise higher education curricula for the disconnect between theory and practice. I designed this authentic assessment (case studies, team-based assignments, report writing) to 'inoculate' my students with managerial challenges (e.g. conflict management) while connecting theory and practice to resolve these challenges in the real world of work.

Students are set discipline-specific problem-based exercises for completion during class. The objective is to craft a written response (1500 words) to the problem, or use group collaboration to develop and deliver a 10-15 minute presentation proposing a solution. This assessment requires active problem solving and engagement with relevant web sources.

Small group and whole class discussions, mind mapping, individual reflection and readings culminate in a collaborative 300-word synthesis (pitch)

Developed as an authentic assessment that simulates analytical skills as used in vocational and academic settings, this task has students analyse a real or created assemblage - a group of disciplinary-relevant artefacts, (e.g. in Archaeology, cultural objects, tools or skeletal remains from a specific site) to produce a written report.

Students use artifacts as points of inspiration for short (500 word) written pieces relevant to their discipline. Students are marked on their written expression and adherence to conventions of the genre. Works are also recited during tutorials and students marked on how well they engage others through their spoken delivery.

In this progressive assessment students write a 1200 word argumentative essay in a supported learning environment. This assessment's innovation lies in its pedagogical underpinnings and the teaching environment in which it is delivered. Students complete weekly activities in argument mapping, effective communication, and critical reasoning as progressive learning tools to construct their essay.

The Clinical Case Presentation (CCP) is an exercise in which students demonstrate their skills in assessing a patient's problem/s, with specific emphasis on the relevant clinical and investigative findings, the diagnosis and the current and potential future management plans. Furthermore, the student is expected to read around the surgically relevant or related aspects of the case and be expected to discuss these with the examiner during the presentation.

Concepts and skills are developed over a semester to design an interactive computer program for a hypothetical museum exhibition. By providing structure while leaving some aspects unspecified, students make creative choices and combine skill sets, and demonstrate mastery to meet the objective of inspiring patrons. Clear and relevant communication to the end-user is a top priority.