As shared via the article, “Distinguishing Assessment, Evaluation, and Grading,” assessment is defined as the method or the tool used to evaluate, measure, and document academic readiness, learner progress, skills acquisition, or the educational needs of a student.  Assessments are usually defined as either formative or summative. 

A “formative” assessment is a diagnostic assessment that is used to monitor student learning and to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve/modify instruction and that can be used by students to improve their learning.

Formative assessments can be formal or informal and are usually low-stakes. Formative assessments often blend seamlessly with instructional activities, so it may seem like the formative assessment is just another instructional activity. Formative assessment is often referred to as “assessment for learning.” In most cases, formative assessments serve as opportunities to practice skills and to develop understanding of concepts prior to completing a formal demonstration (i.e., a summative assessment) of proficiency. 

Examples of formative assessments might include (but are not limited to):

·       + A “check for understanding” quiz

·       + A reflection question

·       + A homework assignment or set of practice problems

·       + A discussion question and response

·       + A journal entry

·       + A review worksheet

A “summative” assessment is an evaluative assessment that is used to measure student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing student performance against some standard or benchmark. Summative assessments are usually formal in nature and are often high-stakes. Summative assessment is often referred to as “assessment of
learning.” In most cases, summative assessments serve as opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on competencies after sufficient studying and practice has been completed using formative assessments.

Examples of summative assessments might include (but are not limited to):

·       + An objective exam

·       + A formal paper

·       + A presentation or speech

·       + A completed project

·       + A demonstration of a skill

·       + A performance