GRASPs Tasks: Unveiling Authentic Assessment in MYP

GRASPs Tasks are AMAZING! I believe they are the heart of ensuring authentic assessment is carefully planned and connected with the statement of inquiry and all the other elements of the unit.

If you are new to GRASPs then this is the place to be!

Understanding GRASPs Tasks

GRASPs tasks, an abbreviation for Goals, Roles, Audience, Situation, Products/Performances, and Standards, are dynamic learning experiences that immerse students in real-world contexts. Crafted to mirror the challenges of life beyond the classroom, these tasks prompt students to channel their knowledge, skills, and creativity to unravel complex dilemmas.

Crafting Effective GRASPs Tasks

1. Clearly Defined Goals: Align task goals with the curriculum's learning objectives, challenging students to adeptly apply their knowledge.
2. Authentic Audience: Design tasks with a genuine audience in mind, stimulating students to transcend mere academic fulfillment and create impactful work.
3. Situational Significance: Envelop tasks in real-world scenarios that resonate with students' experiences, igniting their curiosity and passion.
4. Diverse Roles: Assign roles that encourage multifaceted exploration, enabling students to gain insights from various angles.
5. Assessment Standards: Forge precise assessment criteria, providing students with a task-specific rubric/framework for self-evaluation and guiding them toward achieving benchmarks.

Why are GRASPs Tasks important in MYP?

1. Authentic Assessment: GRASPs tasks encapsulate authentic assessment, evaluating students' prowess in applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. Addressing actual issues prompts critical thinking, information analysis, and solution generation – pivotal skills transcending classrooms.
2. Active Learning: At the core of GRASPs tasks lies active student engagement. By adopting diverse roles and responsibilities, students become enthusiastic participants in their educational journey. This approach nurtures curiosity, collaboration, and a profound understanding of subject matter.
3. Application of Skills: GRASPs tasks bridge the chasm between theoretical comprehension and practical application. Students don't just memorize facts; they utilize knowledge to formulate meaningful responses, cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
4. Contextual Relevance: The context within GRASPs tasks resonates with students' lives, injecting relevance into learning. This connection not only enhances engagement but also underlines the practical significance of academic exploration.
5. Empowerment: GRASPs tasks empower students to embrace distinct roles and perspectives, fostering ownership of learning. This approach nurtures agency, accountability, and independence – indispensable traits for lifelong learning.

Initiating Your GRASPs Journey

To embark on your GRASPs journey, gather your team and brainstorm varied Goals, Situations, Roles, and Standards relevant to your unit. Display your unit outline for reference and let ideas flow.

I also highly recommend starting with a formative GRASPs task. This offers insight into its mechanics and aids in guiding students through the process.

All the best, and as always if you need any support/guidance feel free to reach out!

Whitney Edmondson

24th August 2023