Feature | Formative Assessment | Summative Assessment |
Timing | Ongoing, during the learning process | At the end of a lesson, unit, or course |
Purpose | To monitor progress and improve learning | To evaluate overall learning or achievement |
Focus | Identifies learning gaps and misconceptions | Measures final knowledge, skills, or proficiency |
Feedback | Provides feedback to improve learning | Provides a final grade or evaluation |
Examples | Quizzes, discussions, peer reviews, self-assessments, assignments | Final exams, end-of-term projects, standardised tests |
Grading | Often not graded or lightly graded, it focuses on improvement | Usually graded and heavily weighted |
Student Involvement | Encourages self-reflection and active participation | Focuses on the result, often a final judgment of the student’s work |
Effect on Learning | Helps students adjust and improve during learning | Reflects what students have learned at the end of instruction |