Learn · Glossary
Formative vs summative assessment: what's the difference?
Definition
Formative assessment checks learning while it's happening, to guide what comes next. Summative assessment measures learning at the end of a unit or course, usually for a grade.
Examples
- Formative
- Exit tickets, quick quizzes, homework with feedback, a question in class.
- Summative
- Unit tests, term exams, board exams, final projects.
Getting the balance right
Formative assessment only works if feedback is quick. That's where marking time hurts most, and where AI marking with teacher review helps.
Questions
- Is homework formative?
- Usually, when it comes back with feedback.
- Can one test be both?
- Yes, if its results are used to guide teaching as well as to grade.
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