Explain the difference between formative and summative assessments and briefly discuss how each type of assessment contribute to the overall assessment process. (4x2 =8)?

Formative assessments are assessments that are conducted during the learning process to provide feedback to both the teacher and the student on their progress. These assessments are typically informal and ongoing, allowing for adjustments to be made to instruction and learning strategies. Formative assessments help to identify areas of strength and weakness, guide instruction, and support student learning.

Summative assessments, on the other hand, are assessments that are conducted at the end of a learning period to evaluate student learning and achievement. These assessments are typically formal and are used to assign grades or determine mastery of a subject. Summative assessments provide a snapshot of student performance at a specific point in time and are often used for accountability purposes.

Both formative and summative assessments play important roles in the overall assessment process. Formative assessments help to inform instruction and support student learning by providing feedback on progress and identifying areas for improvement. Summative assessments, on the other hand, provide a final evaluation of student learning and achievement, allowing for accountability and the measurement of student progress over time. Together, these two types of assessments provide a comprehensive picture of student learning and help to guide instruction and support student success.

Formative Assessment

- Ongoing and frequent assessments used during the learning process.
- Focuses on providing feedback to students and identifying areas for improvement.
- Examples: quizzes, homework, class discussions, observations.

Summative Assessment

- Formal assessments conducted at the end of a unit or learning cycle.
- Evaluates students' overall achievement and mastery of the learning objectives.
- Examples: exams, projects, presentations, portfolios.

Contributions to the Assessment Process:

Formative Assessment:

- Provides timely feedback to students on their progress.
- Helps students identify areas of difficulty and seek additional support.
- Allows teachers to adjust instruction based on students' needs.
- Supports ongoing learning and improvement.

Summative Assessment:

- Documents students' final level of achievement.
- Provides accountability for student learning and teacher instruction.
- Informs grading and decision-making.
- Can be used to identify students who need further support or enrichment.

Together, formative and summative assessments provide a comprehensive view of student learning. Formative assessments guide instruction and support student growth, while summative assessments evaluate overall achievement and contribute to final grades.