How do formative assessments differ from summative assessments?

How do formative assessments differ from summative assessments?

• A. Both occur at the end of the instructional period
• B. Formative assessments are conducted during instruction while summative assessments evaluate learning at the end
• C. Formative assessments are only quizzes while summative assessments are essays
• D. Formative assessments are optional, while summative assessments are mandatory

Answer: (B)

Formative assessments and summative assessments serve distinct purposes in the educational process. Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning throughout the instructional process. These assessments occur during the learning period, allowing for adjustments based on students' understanding and progress. In contrast, summative assessments evaluate and measure what students have learned at the end of an instructional unit or period. They provide a comprehensive overview of student mastery of the material after instruction has taken place, typically in the form of final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-term projects. Understanding this distinction is crucial for educators and students, as it highlights the continuous nature of learning and the importance of feedback during the educational journey, as opposed to the finality of assessments that summarize learning outcomes after instruction.

Formative assessments and summative assessments serve distinct purposes in the educational process. Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning throughout the instructional process. These assessments occur during the learning period, allowing for adjustments based on students' understanding and progress.

In contrast, summative assessments evaluate and measure what students have learned at the end of an instructional unit or period. They provide a comprehensive overview of student mastery of the material after instruction has taken place, typically in the form of final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-term projects.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for educators and students, as it highlights the continuous nature of learning and the importance of feedback during the educational journey, as opposed to the finality of assessments that summarize learning outcomes after instruction.