Define “formative assessment” compared to “summative assessment.”

Formative assessment is characterized by its ongoing nature, designed to monitor student learning throughout the instructional process. This type of assessment provides real-time feedback to both teachers and students, allowing for adjustments in teaching techniques and learning strategies as needed. It is instrumental in identifying areas where students may need more support before major evaluations take place.

In contrast, summative assessment occurs at the conclusion of a learning segment or course and is intended to evaluate what students have learned at that point. These assessments are often used to measure overall performance against a set of objectives or standards, providing a cumulative overview of student learning.

The distinction in the correct answer emphasizes the dynamic nature of formative assessments in supporting continuous improvement and the static, evaluative role of summative assessments at the end of a learning period.