What differentiates formative assessments from summative assessments?

Formative assessments are characterized by their ongoing nature, allowing educators to monitor student learning and understanding throughout the instructional process. These assessments are designed to provide immediate feedback, helping teachers adjust their strategies and improve student understanding while learning is still in progress. In contrast, summative assessments are typically administered at the end of a learning unit or course, evaluating students' overall comprehension and performance after the instruction has concluded. This distinction is important because formative assessments focus on the growth and development of skills, providing essential data to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

The clarity between these two types of assessments lies in their timing and purpose; formative assessments serve as checkpoints during the learning journey, while summative assessments serve as a final review of learning outcomes.