Understanding the Difference between Formative and Summative Assessment
Assessment is an essential tool to measure the learning progress and achievement of a student. It provides valuable information that can be used to improve the teaching and learning process. There are two main types of assessments: formative and summative. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between them.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is any activity that provides feedback on student learning during the learning process. The aim is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the understanding of concepts and skills, allowing teachers to adjust their instruction to meet the needs of learners.
Formative assessment is often informal and can take many different forms. For example, it could be a quick quiz at the end of a lesson, a discussion, or observation of a student’s performance. The feedback provided generally focuses on how to improve, rather than giving a grade or a score.
The overall aim of formative assessment is to promote learning and to help students reach their goals. It is beneficial for students, as they receive feedback that they can use to improve their understanding and work towards mastery of a subject. For teachers, it provides insight into what is working and where additional support may be needed.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment, on the other hand, is a formal evaluation that measures the knowledge, skills, and understanding of students at the end of an instructional period. This assessment often takes the form of a test or exam and is graded against a set of criteria.
The main aim of summative assessment is to determine the level of achievement of a student in comparison to a set of standards or learning objectives. It provides information that can be used for reporting, certification or placement.
Summative assessments often have high stakes, as they are used to make important decisions about a student’s academic progress. Hence, it is imperative that they are designed carefully and according to the curriculum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formative and summative assessments differ in their purpose, timing, and format. While formative assessment provides feedback and helps students improve their learning, summative assessment measures achievement and is used for certification or placement purposes. Both types of assessments are important in the larger picture of learning and evaluation. Teachers should use both formats appropriately to promote and monitor student learning.
Table difference between formative and summative assessment
| Assessment Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Formative Assessment | An ongoing process of gathering evidence and providing feedback throughout the learning process to improve student understanding and performance. | Exit tickets, peer feedback, self-assessment, quizzes during instruction |
| Summative Assessment | A formal evaluation of student learning at the end of a unit or course, usually for grading purposes. | Final exams, standardized tests, end-of-unit projects, portfolios |