What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?

The distinction between formative and summative assessment is rooted in their purposes and timing within the educational process. Formative assessment is integrated into the ongoing learning experience, providing continuous feedback to both learners and instructors. This allows for adjustments and improvements as the learning progresses, ensuring that students grasp the material effectively before moving on.

In contrast, summative assessment takes place at the end of an instructional period or unit, serving as a final evaluation of what students have learned. It measures the overall achievement and understanding of the student regarding the material covered. The results of summative assessments are often used for assigning grades and determining whether learning objectives have been met.

This clear differentiation emphasizes that formative assessments are tools for guiding instruction, while summative assessments are used for evaluating the success of that instruction after it has occurred. This understanding is crucial for effective teaching and learning, as it highlights the importance of both types of assessment in the educational process.