How does formative assessment differ from summative assessment?

Formative assessment is primarily designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback throughout the instructional process. This approach allows teachers to identify student strengths and weaknesses as they occur, enabling adjustments to instruction that can help improve student understanding and performance in real-time. The essence of formative assessment lies in its ability to inform teaching and learning dynamically, fostering a responsive educational environment where feedback helps shape the learning journey.

In contrast, summative assessment evaluates student learning at the conclusion of an instructional unit, thereby serving a different purpose focused more on measuring and certifying student achievement rather than supporting ongoing development. Additionally, formative assessment is not limited to standardized tests, as it encompasses a wide array of strategies and tools that can be utilized in diverse classroom settings. Finally, formative assessments are not used solely for grading purposes; rather, they are aimed at enhancing learning by providing insights that both students and teachers can use to improve educational outcomes.