The 10 Characteristics of Authentic Tasks

1. Authentic tasks have real-world relevance.

2. Authentic tasks are ill-defined, requiring students to define the tasks and sub-tasks needed to complete the activity.

3. Authentic tasks comprise complex activities to be investigated by students over a sustained period of time.

4. Authentic tasks provide the opportunity for students to examine the task from different perspectives, using a variety of resources.

5. Authentic tasks provide the opportunity to collaborate.

6. Authentic tasks provide the opportunity to reflect and involve students’ beliefs and values.

7. Authentic tasks are integrated and applied across different subject areas and extend beyond domainspecific

8. Authentic tasks are seamlessly integrated with assessment.

9. Authentic tasks yield polished products valuable in their own right rather than as preparation for something else.

10. Authentic tasks allow competing solutions and diversity of outcomes.