The main difference between summative and formative assessment is their purpose and timing within the learning process.
Summative Assessment:
1. Purpose: Summative assessments are used to evaluate learning at the end of a unit, course, or program. They are often high-stakes assessments that determine a student's final grade or level of achievement.
2. Timing: Summative assessments are typically administered after the completion of a learning unit or course, making it more of a retrospective evaluation.
3. Focus: Summative assessments focus on measuring the overall learning outcomes and student achievement. They provide a summary or snapshot of what a student has learned.
Formative Assessment:
1. Purpose: Formative assessments are used to monitor and provide feedback on student learning throughout the learning process. They aim to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their performance.
2. Timing: Formative assessments are ongoing and can be conducted during a lesson, unit, or course. They are used for instructional purposes and to guide further teaching and learning.
3. Focus: Formative assessments focus on providing feedback, recognizing student progress, and identifying areas of improvement. They help teachers adjust their instruction based on the needs of the students.
Overall, summative assessments evaluate learning at the end of the learning process, while formative assessments provide ongoing feedback and support student learning during the process.
Difference between summative and formative assessment
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