Question

Compare/Contrast formative and summative assessments?

Answer 1

An assessment is more than just taking test. The objective of an assessment is to make an outcome. In other words, assessment is done inorder to assess the learning which is occured and also for improving learning in the future. The most important types of assessment are formative assessment and summative assessment.

1. Formative assessment : Formative assessment is done on a daily basis during the learning process. This is helpful to ensure the progress of learning by evaluating the pace and depth of leaner. Example of such assessments are class test, quizzes, questions, providing tasks to complete, practicals,etc.. Formative assessment allows teachers to plan accordingly for further sessions.
2. Summative assessment: summative assessments are conducted at the end of the course/ topic/ session to sum up the portions learned by the student so far. It is done inorder to evaluate the standard of the pupil. The results are then published and the marks/grades obtained is valid and determines the future study or job opportunities of the pupil. Written assessments, viva-voce, lab tests are the traditional methods used for the summative assessment.