In your own words, differentiate between informal and formal assessments.

Informal assessments are typically ongoing, ungraded assessments that provide teachers with information about students' understanding and progress in a more casual and natural way. These assessments can include observations, discussions, quizzes, and homework assignments. They are often used to inform instruction and guide teachers in making adjustments to their teaching methods.

Formal assessments, on the other hand, are more structured and standardized assessments that are typically given at specific points in time, such as at the end of a unit or grading period. These assessments are often graded and used to measure students' mastery of specific learning objectives or standards. Examples of formal assessments include standardized tests, final exams, and performance assessments. Formal assessments are often used to evaluate student achievement and provide data for accountability purposes.

Informal Assessment:

- Utilizes daily observations, class participation, and anecdotal notes.
- Focuses on ongoing monitoring of student progress informally.
- Provides immediate feedback and allows teachers to adjust instruction accordingly.
- Helps identify students' strengths and weaknesses to support individual growth.

Formal Assessment:

- Involves standardized tests, exams, and assignments with defined criteria.
- Measures student achievement at specific points in time.
- Provides summative data on student learning outcomes and can be used for grading or placement decisions.
- May be used to compare student performance within a class, school, or district.