#210: Catalyzing Professional Identity: The Impact of Authentic Assessment in Teacher Education

Developing professional identity in pre-service teachers is a common challenge in teacher education. Authentic reflective assessment practices serve as powerful catalysts for transformative learning and identity formation. Analysis of reflection papers from eleven early childhood education students revealed shifts in their professional perspectives and evidence of critical self-reflection. Our findings suggest that assessment design fosters professional identity, expanding its pedagogical role in teacher education.