What is the primary distinction between formative and summative assessments?

The primary distinction between formative and summative assessments lies in their timing and purpose within the learning process. Formative assessments are integrated into the learning journey and are conducted on an ongoing basis. They aim to provide immediate feedback to both students and educators, helping to identify areas where students may need additional support or understanding. This continuous feedback loop allows for instructional adjustments and encourages a responsive teaching approach.

In contrast, summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period or unit and serve to evaluate student learning and understanding at that specific point in time. They typically provide a final measure of student achievement against learning objectives or standards, allowing educators to assess the effectiveness of their teaching after the fact.

This ongoing nature of formative assessments versus the endpoint focus of summative assessments clearly highlights the distinction, making the understanding of their roles crucial in designing effective educational strategies.