What is the difference between formative and summative assessments in practical experience?

The distinction between formative and summative assessments lies primarily in their purpose and timing within the educational process. Formative assessments are designed to provide ongoing feedback during the learning process, allowing learners to reflect on their performance and make adjustments to improve their skills or understanding. This type of assessment is typically informal and occurs throughout a course or program. It helps both instructors and students identify areas that need further development and fosters a supportive learning environment.

On the other hand, summative assessments are intended to evaluate a learner's overall achievement or competency at the conclusion of an instructional period. These assessments are often more formal and are used to determine whether the learning objectives have been met. Summative assessments can take the form of final exams, projects, or other methods that assess cumulative knowledge and skills acquired over time. The primary function of summative assessments is to summarize what the learner has accomplished and to assign grades or certification.

This understanding of formative and summative assessments is critical for designing effective educational experiences, particularly in practical settings, where continuous improvement and evaluation of competence are key to success.