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Lesson 6.2: Formative and Summative Assessment

  • Page ID
    10354
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    Formative Assessment

    Assessment should be designed to inform the teacher and learner in order to accommodate the needs of the learner. The formative assessment is one which occurs throughout a lesson or unit and may take a variety of forms. A teacher may determine what students know by question and answer formats, checklists, or by paper and pencil assignments. Likewise, games such as Kahoot and Jeopardy may assist in similar data collection. The informed teacher can utilize the results of the formative assessment to re-engage or to modify the teaching plans to meet the individual needs of the students.

    Summative Assessment

    The summative assessment is the evaluation that is given at the conclusion of a unit or lesson. It may determine student placement or level of knowledge and is often thought of as a grade determinant. Results of summative assessment are not used in lesson planning; rather, they are used to evaluate the mastery of material. It can take the form of a question and answer or paper and pencil approach like the formative assessment. Summative assessments also typically have one correct answer.

    Formative Assessment Both Summative Assessment
    They are assessments that we carry out to help inform the learning ‘in the moment’. Formative assessment is coninuous, informal and should have a central and pivotal role in every classroom.

    If used correctly, it will have a high impact on current learning and help you guide your instruction and teaching

    Are ways to assess pupils.

    Must evaluate pupils effectively

    Are used for student feedback

    Assist in future lesson planning

    There are different types of summative assessments that we carry out ‘after the event,’ often periodic (rather than continuous), and are often measured against a set standard.

    Summative assessment can be thought of as helping to validate and ‘check’ formative assessment – it is a periodic measure of how children are, overall, progressing in their mathematics learning.

    Includes:
    • Quizzes
    • Talking in class
    • Creating diagrams or charts
    • Homework or classword
    • Exit Surveys
      Includes:
    • End of year assessments
    • Midterm or end-of-term exams
    • End of term portfolios
    • SATs

     

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Foundations of Education. Authored by: SUNY Oneonta Education Department. License: CC BY: Attribution