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4.2: Formative and Summative Assessment

  • Page ID
    81858
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    Formative Assessment

    Assessment should be designed to inform the teacher and learner in order to accommodate the needs of the learner. Formative assessment is occurs throughout a lesson or unit and may take a variety of forms. A teacher may determine what students know by question and answer formats, checklists, or by paper and pencil assignments. Likewise, games such as Kahoot and Jeopardy may assist in similar data collection. The informed teacher can utilize the results of the formative assessment to re-engage or to modify the teaching plans to meet the needs of students.

    Summative Assessment

    Summative assessment is the evaluation that is given at the conclusion of a unit or lesson. It may determine student placement or level of knowledge. Results of summative assessment are not used in lesson planning; rather, they are used to evaluate the mastery of material.  They can take the form of a question and answer or paper and pencil approach. 

    Formative Assessment Both Summative Assessment
    They are assessments that help to inform the learning ‘in the moment’. Formative assessment is continuous, informal and should have a central and pivotal role in every classroom.

    If used correctly, it will have a high impact on current learning and help guide your instruction and teaching.

    Are ways to assess pupils.

    Evaluate students effectively

    Are used for student feedback

    Assist in future lesson planning

    Summative assessments are used after the teaching has ended.

    Summative assessments can be thought of as a measure of how students are progressing in their learning.

    Includes:
    • Activities
    • Checking for Understanding Ideas
    • Homework 
    • Exit Questions
      Includes:
    • Tests at the end of units or lessons
    • Final exams
    • End of year portfolios
    • End of year assessments

     

     

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Foundations of Education. Authored by: SUNY Oneonta Education Department. License: CC BY: Attribution

    This page titled 4.2: Formative and Summative Assessment is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tasneem Amatullah, Rosemarie Avanzato, Julia Baxter, Thor Gibbins, Lee Graham, Ann Fradkin-Hayslip, Ray Siegrist, Suzanne Swantak-Furman, Nicole Waid via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.