The Power of “Show Me What You Know”: Alternative Ways for Students to Demonstrate Learning

Have you ever had a student absolutely bomb a test but then turn around and explain the concepts to a classmate like they were running a TED Talk? Me too. And that’s when you realize: traditional assessments don’t always tell the whole story. There is sometimes a mismatch between assessment and understanding.

So what is the solution? How do we really know if students understand something?

What if, instead of the standard quiz or essay, we just said, "Show me what you know" and let them take the lead?

Breaking Free from the One-Size-Fits-All Assessment Trap

Not every student thrives in the land of five-paragraph essays and fill-in-the-blank tests. Some need to move. Some need to talk it out. And some won’t write more than three words—but give them an audience, and suddenly, they’re a keynote speaker at a conference you didn’t know you signed up for.

And that means we need to rethink how we measure learning. We need to shift assessment toward authentic demonstrations of knowledge.

Creative Alternatives: Because There’s More Than One Way to Show Understanding

1.  Teach It to Someone Else

If they can teach it, they get it. Indeed, studies show that teaching others reinforces and refines understanding. Have students explain a concept to a younger student, a stuffed animal, or (if you're feeling ambitious) the whole class. (Bonus points if they can answer questions on the spot.)

2.  Visual Thinking: Sketch It Out

Graphic organizers, sketchnotes, one-pagers—some students process best through visuals. Give them markers and let them map out their understanding. No, it doesn’t have to be pretty. If they can explain their messy, chaotic diagram, it’s a win.

3.  Video and Audio Submissions: Let Them Talk

Not every student shines in writing, but give them a mic or a camera? Suddenly, they’re confident and articulate. Flip (formerly Flipgrid), voice recordings, even just a phone video—let them talk it out. You might be surprised how much more they reveal.

4.  Dramatic Interpretations: Channel That Inner Performer

Dramatizations, mock interviews, historical reenactments—if you’ve got a class full of kids who love the spotlight, let them use it. Have them role-play a debate between historical figures or act out a science concept. Yes, it might get loud. Yes, it’s worth it. And no, your principal may not love it—but learning isn’t always quiet.

5.  Real-World Applications: Make It Matter

If possible, let them apply what they’ve learned to a real-world problem. Where does this concept show up outside of school? Have them create an infographic, write a letter, design an experiment—something that connects learning to life.

6.  Choice Boards: Let Them Pick Their Lane

Choice = investment. Give students a menu of options for demonstrating understanding: a podcast, a storyboard, a traditional paper, a presentation, an interactive timeline—whatever lets them show their best thinking. (Link for cheat sheet with examples of options)

The Pushback: But What About Grades?

Ah, the ever-present grading dilemma. How do you assess a rap about the American Revolution or a Minecraft recreation of ancient Rome? Simple: focus on the learning, not the format. Use a clear rubric. Break it down: Did they show depth of understanding? Did they back up their points? Did they make connections? If the answer is yes, they nailed it.

This kind of flexibility feels messy at first. It’s not as easy to apply a percentage on a conversation or a drawing. But if the goal is to assess understanding, why not meet students where they shine?

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process (and Your Students)

When we give students a choice of more authentic demonstrations of knowledge, we don’t just get better assessments—we get more engaged learners. And isn’t that the whole point? So next time you’re staring down a stack of uninspired test responses, maybe pause and ask, “What if I just let them show me what they know?” You might be amazed at what you get back.