What are formative and summative assessments, and why are they important in education as per the WEST-E?

Formative assessments are tools used by educators to monitor student learning throughout the instructional process. They provide ongoing feedback that can be used to improve teaching and learning as it happens. This can include quizzes, discussions, and observations that gather information on students’ understanding and skills in real time. The primary purpose of formative assessments is to inform instruction and guide students in their learning journey, enabling adjustments to be made for individual students or the entire class.

Summative assessments, on the other hand, are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit or course. These assessments typically measure the extent of students’ knowledge and skills against certain benchmarks or learning objectives, such as final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-term projects. Summative assessments provide a comprehensive overview of what students have learned and are often used to assign grades or determine if learning goals have been met.

Both formative and summative assessments are crucial in education because they serve different but complementary purposes. Formative assessments help teachers adjust their strategies to enhance learning as it occurs, while summative assessments evaluate the effectiveness of instruction after it has taken place. Understanding this distinction is essential for educators aiming to foster a comprehensive learning environment where student progress is continuously assessed and improved upon.