Formative vs. Summative Assessment

Formative assessment is an ongoing process used by teachers to monitor student learning during instruction. It provides feedback that helps students improve and guides teachers on what to adjust next. Examples include quizzes, discussions, or draft submissions. Summative assessment occurs at the end of a learning period, like final exams or projects, to evaluate overall understanding and achievement. While formative assessments support learning development, summative assessments measure what students have learned after instruction. Both are essential: formative guides progress, and summative determines mastery.