How does formative assessment differ from summative assessment?

Formative assessment is designed to be an ongoing process throughout the learning experience. It focuses on gathering information about student understanding and progress while instruction is taking place. This allows educators to adjust their teaching strategies in real time, providing immediate feedback to help students improve and succeed. Essentially, formative assessments inform instruction by identifying strengths and areas for growth, enabling a more tailored approach to teaching.

In contrast, summative assessment occurs at the end of an instructional period and aims to evaluate what students have learned. This type of assessment measures the overall effectiveness of a teaching strategy or the extent of student learning after specific instruction has been completed, often culminating in grades or scores that reflect the level of achievement.

The distinction is important for educators to understand, as it shapes how they approach planning and delivering lessons to enhance student learning outcomes.