Formative and Summative Assessment: Differences with Examples [UGC NET Notes]

The teaching method accumulates methods used by teachers to enable student learning. The methods are determined partly by the subject matter to be taught and partly by the nature of the student or a learner. The Formative assessment refers to a great variety of tactics or methods that teachers often use to conduct in-process evaluations of learners comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress. Formative assessments help teachers and tutors to identify concepts that students are struggling to understand so that adjustments can be made to lessons, instructional techniques, and academic support. The ultimate goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. There are several factors affecting the teaching methods and also help in the teaching aids. Formative and summative evaluation is an important topic and each year one question from this topic is very likely to be asked.

Moreover, candidates who are preparing for the teaching exams like UGC NET are advised to read this post thoroughly to understand all parameters related to the formative assistant and submissive assistant. 

In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:

• Formative Assessment
• Characteristics of Formative Assessment
• Summative Assessment
• Characteristics of Summative Assessment
• Differences Between Formative and Summative Assessment
• Examples of Formative and Summative Assessment

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Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative and summative assessments are two distinct types of assessments used in education to evaluate students' learning progress and understanding. These assessments serve different purposes and are employed at different stages of the learning process.

Formative Assessment

Teachers use formative assessment to monitor student learning while they are instructing. It aids educators in determining whether pupils grasp the material or require additional support.

To discover out, they might pose queries, assign quick assignments, or engage in educational games. It's merely meant to improve your learning; you don't receive any grades or marks for it.

It's similar to receiving subtle cues to get better before the big test!

Characteristics of Formative Assessment

Teachers can better understand how their students are learning during a class by using formative assessment. Before the final exam, it provides an opportunity for both professors and students to improve and correct errors.

Continuous Procedure

Throughout your learning process, formative assessments are constantly taking place. There is more than one test; there may be classwork, quick exercises, or questions. It is used by your teacher to assess your performance at each stage of the class. Learning will go more smoothly and easily for you in this method.

Provides Input

Formative evaluation provides you with useful guidance on how to improve. Your teacher could point out your strengths and areas for improvement. Although it is not a grade, this criticism aids in your understanding of your errors. It facilitates better and more intelligent learning.

Enhances Education

This type of evaluation is not meant to mark you; rather, it is meant to help you learn more.

It lets the teacher know where you need extra help or practice. Early assistance makes difficult subjects easier to learn later. As a result, your learning improves daily.

Contains Both the instructor and the pupil

Teachers and students work together to complete formative assessments. Your instructor observes your learning style and provides guidance. You may also discuss what you don't understand and ask questions. Everyone finds learning easier and more enjoyable as a result.

Summative Assessment

A test or exam given at the conclusion of a course or term is known as a summative assessment. After all of the instruction is finished, it assesses your level of learning. You receive scores or marks for this kind of evaluation according to how well you do. End-of-term assessments, large projects, and final exams are a few examples. It demonstrates your knowledge and aids teachers in gauging your level of comprehension.

Characteristics of Summative Assessment

Summative assessments are used to evaluate your learning at the conclusion of a term or topic.

It assists your teacher in assigning grades or marks according to your level of comprehension of the material.

Takes Place at the End

After every session is completed, a summative assessment is conducted. It is used to assess how well you understand a subject or topic. It is typically taken as a final assignment, test, or exam. It informs your teacher of your overall level of learning.

Assigns Grades or Marks

Summative assessments are unique in that they provide grades or scores. After your responses are reviewed, you receive grades based on your performance. Your report card uses these grades, which are also shared with your parents. They help you feel proud of your efforts and demonstrate your development.

Verifies General Knowledge

This test examines your entire comprehension, not just certain aspects. It examines all of the knowledge you have accumulated throughout time. If you are prepared to advance to the next level, it helps the teacher know. It has a variety of questions and assignments as a result.

Difference Between Formative and Summative Assessment

The difference between formative assessment and summative assessment has been stated below.

Characteristic	Formative Assessment	Summative Assessment
Purpose	Monitor and improve learning during the instructional process.	Evaluate and measure overall learning outcomes at the end of an instructional period.
Timing	Conducted during the learning process; occurs regularly throughout the instructional period.	Administered at the end of an instructional period when learning is deemed complete.
Nature	Often informal and low-stakes.	Typically formal and high-stakes.
Feedback	Immediate, specific, and aimed at improvement.	May have delayed feedback, often provided after the assessment is complete.
Grading	Generally not heavily graded; focuses on learning and improvement.	Heavily graded, and results contribute significantly to final grades.
Emphasis	Learning process and ongoing development.	Final product or outcome; overall achievement.
Frequency	Occurs regularly, multiple times during the instructional period.	Typically occurs once at the end of the instructional period.
Adaptability	Allows for real-time adjustments in teaching strategies.	Does not allow for immediate adjustments, as it occurs at the end of the instructional period.
Examples	Quizzes, discussions, homework, peer assessments.	Final exams, standardized tests, major projects.

The examples of formative and summative assessments help in understanding the topics really well. The aspirants are advised to go through the examples mentioned below

Formative Assessment Examples

Your teacher conducts formative assessments, which are brief tests, to gauge your learning during class. For instance, your teacher may quiz you briefly after a session or pose questions to you during class. You might also share your answers on the board, play an instructive game, or complete a group exercise. These don't typically count against grades and let the teacher know if you need further assistance.

Summative Assessment Examples

The large tests or assignments you complete at the conclusion of a unit or term are known as summative assessments. These consist of large class presentations, end-of-chapter assessments, and final exams. You may also write a report or complete a science project that is graded. These tests are used to provide grades and demonstrate your level of learning.

Conclusion

Formative and summative assessments serve distinct roles in the educational landscape. Formative assessment is a continuous and feedback-oriented process that supports ongoing learning and development, while summative assessment provides a final evaluation of overall achievement at the end of an instructional period. Both types of assessments are essential for a comprehensive understanding of student progress and success in education. Formative and summative evaluation B.Ed. notes will also help in preparations.

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Major Takeaways for UGC NET Aspirants Formative Evaluation: In order to help you get better, teachers use formative assessment to verify your learning during lessons. Qualities of Formative Evaluation: It involves both teachers and students, is continuous, provides feedback, and aids in learning. Summative Evaluation: An exam or assignment completed at the conclusion of a subject to gauge your learning is known as a summative assessment. Features of Summative Evaluation: It takes place after learning, provides feedback upon completion, assigns grades, and verifies complete comprehension. Disparities The Difference Between Summative and Formative Evaluation: Summative assessments evaluate your learning after classes are over, but formative assessments aid in learning during instruction. Formative and Summative Assessment Examples: Summative examples include final exams and projects, whereas formative examples include quizzes and class exercises.

Formative and Summative Assessment Previous Year Questions

1. From the list of evaluation procedures given below, identify those which will be called ‘formative evaluation’. Indicate your answer by choosing from the code:

Options. (a) A teacher awards grades to students after having transacted the course work.
(b) During interaction with students in the classroom, the teacher provides corrective feedback.
(c) The teacher gives marks to students on a unit test.
(d) The teacher clarifies doubts of students in the class itself.
(e) The overall performance of a student is reported to parents at every three months interval.
(f) The learner’s motivation is raised by the teacher through a question-answer session.

Answer: (4) (b), (d), and (f)