How do formative and summative assessments differ?

Formative assessments are characterized by their role in the ongoing learning process, serving as feedback mechanisms that help both instructors and students understand progress and areas for improvement. These assessments are typically integrated into daily instructional activities and can take various forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or reflection journals. Their primary purpose is to inform instruction, allowing teachers to make real-time adjustments to their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students.

In contrast, summative assessments are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit or period. They typically measure the extent to which students have mastered the course content and are usually administered after the teaching has been completed. Examples include final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-unit projects, which are not meant for ongoing feedback but rather to summarize what students have learned overall.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively utilizing both types of assessments within educational settings to enhance student learning and achievement.