What distinguishes formative assessment from summative assessment?

Formative assessment is characterized by its focus on providing feedback and guidance to enhance learning as it happens. It occurs throughout the learning process, allowing teachers to identify students' understanding and misconceptions, which enables them to adapt instruction accordingly. The primary goal of formative assessment is to evolve and improve future learning experiences for students by continuously monitoring their progress and offering timely interventions.

This ongoing assessment aids in identifying instructional needs and adjusting teaching methods to better support student understanding. It contrasts with summative assessment, which evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against standardized objectives. Summative assessments typically do not inform immediate instructional changes, as they serve to measure what students have learned overall, rather than enhance the learning process as it unfolds.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for educators aiming to foster effective learning environments that are responsive to their students' needs.