Developing an employability mindset and building talent for the future through authentic assessments

Introduction- Authentic assessment aims to replicate the tasks and performance standards found in the world of work and enhance students’ learning, motivation, engagement, and employability skills. Changing the assessment setting to an authentic one is introduced as an improved way to embed elements of employability into the curriculum (Gulikers et al., 2004). Moreover, Kinash et al., (2018) highlighted that the major concern of different stakeholders in HE is graduate employability as employers often believe that universities are responsible for equipping their students with the knowledge and skills required in their future careers. The review of the Teaching and Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (Pearce, 2019) has resulted in HEIs now being measured specifically on student experience, student outcomes, and postgraduate employment. This research aims to explore the impacts of authentic assessments on students’ employability skills that involved live client scenarios for MAN5080 Introduction to Hotel Operations and Room Division and MAN6065 International Multi-unit hospitality leadership modules.
Objectives-The study has three objectives: To examine the rationale for authentic assessments in the curriculum. To explore the opportunities for authentic assessments to enhance employability. To understand how authentic assessments and exposure to the hotel environment impact the motivation and engagement of students and industry readiness.
Methodology- The theoretical underpinning for this research lies in the theory of situated learning that highlights the opportunities for students to reveal their abilities and talents are embedded and influenced by activity, culture, and environment (McLellan, 1996). Moreover, Lave and Wenger's (1991) research emphasises the importance of community and participation in learning, suggesting that true understanding emerges through practical experience and social interaction. The study utilises a case study analysis of two cases for authentic assessments. The first case study assesses a live case scenario of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, where students delivered a presentation to the hotel management on revenue improvements. The second case study assesses a live case scenario of the Aloft by Marriott hotel, where students produced a business plan for the hotel operations.
Key findings- The research findings revealed that authentic assessment can play a vital role in improving the learning experience in HEIs by enhancing students’ engagement in learning and improving their motivation as well as positively influencing their efforts to achieve educational goals. The findings demonstrated that students from both modules achieved 100% pass rates and grades were in the range of upper second to first class as the benefit from this learning environment. The performance of the students in these modules exceeded sector norms of levels 5 and 6 cohorts, as per comments from the external examiner. The research showed high levels of motivation and engagement with live case scenarios as authentic assessments had a focus on bridging the gap between the real world and higher education through changing the curriculum towards a more practical, work-related emphasis. Finally, the findings highlight that students are more likely to engage with assessment when they see the value of it and how it might link to their future careers outside the educational environment.
Implications-The implications of this research are manifold. The educators can get better insights into the implementation of authentic assessments into their modules to empathise with industry readiness and better prepare students for real-world challenges. The students can understand how authentic assessment enhances their employability skills. Finally, the wider academic community can get an improved understanding of how authentic assessment develops students’ deep learning skills helping in knowledge construction, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving in authentic contexts.