Formative assessment and feedback (FAF) are increasingly recognized as essential pillars in the transformation of higher education, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While numerous initiatives on FAF exist across programs and institutions, there remains a critical gap in evaluating their effectiveness, integrating alternative assessment methods, and supporting teaching staff with practical resources. This paper addresses that gap through an evidence-informed approach by systematically reviewing literature, mapping existing practices, and developing a toolkit tailored for the higher education context.

The foundation of this work lies in a systematic literature review focused on identifying effective strategies for the development of 21st century skills, with special attention to authentic and alternative assessment methods. The review draws on current research that emphasizes the pedagogical, psychological, and social value of FAF, while critically engaging with the need for evidence-based design and implementation. This synthesis is translated into accessible formats, including infographics, to support dissemination among non-expert audiences and inform institutional policy and practice.

The primary output of the project is the Formative Assessment and Feedback Toolkit, co-designed with input from interdisciplinary university stakeholders. This evolving toolkit includes curated good practices; guidance for implementing authentic and alternative assessments; and resources on authentic assessments and formative feedback.

This toolkit is both a product and a process—designed not only to improve instructional quality and student engagement but also to serve as a model for participatory educational innovation. Its potential scalability to other institutions further strengthens its relevance to broader international discussions on assessment in higher education.

This study was funded by the Community for Learning & Innovation (CLI) of Erasmus University Rotterdam as part of the CLI Fellowship program, which supports innovative approaches to enhancing learning and teaching in higher education.

Keywords: Authentic assessment, toolkit, formative feedback, higher education, educational innovation.