What distinguishes formative assessment from summative assessment?

Formative assessment is characterized by its ongoing nature, designed to provide continuous feedback that informs instruction and enhances student learning throughout the educational process. This type of assessment allows educators to gauge student understanding, identify areas that need reinforcement, and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By using various formative assessment techniques—such as quizzes, discussions, peer reviews, and observation—teachers can facilitate a more personalized learning environment.

Formative assessments are typically implemented during the learning process, enabling both instructors and students to track progress incrementally, rather than waiting until a course concludes. This is in contrast to summative assessments, which are conducted after an instructional period to evaluate student learning and measure the effectiveness of educational programs. Summative assessments tend to be more conclusive, providing a snapshot of student achievement at a specific point in time, rather than offering ongoing insights that can influence day-to-day teaching.