Which of the following is a performance task example in Understanding by Design?

• A. A project in which students apply concepts to a real-world scenario.
• B. A timed true/false test.
• C. A 25-question multiple-choice quiz.
• D. A passive reading comprehension worksheet.

Answer: (A)

Performance tasks in Understanding by Design require students to apply what they've learned to real-world situations and to produce a tangible product or demonstration of their skills. This kind of task asks students to transfer knowledge beyond classroom examples, engage in authentic problem-solving, and meet a set of criteria that shows their understanding in a meaningful way.

The project described—where students apply concepts to a real-world scenario—fits this approach because it demands integrating ideas, planning, executing, and presenting a solution that could matter outside the classroom. By contrast, the other options focus more on memory or basic comprehension: a timed true/false test, a multiple-choice quiz, and a passive reading worksheet mainly assess recall or surface understanding rather than ability to apply and transfer learning in authentic contexts.