Assessments are an essential part of any learning process. They provide feedback to learners and instructors on the progress and outcomes of the learning activities. However, not all assessments are created equal. There are two main types of assessments: summative and formative.
Summative Assessments
are used to measure the final achievement of the learning objectives. They are usually given at the end of a course or a unit, and they have a high-stakes impact on the learners’ grades or certification. Examples of summative assessments are exams, final projects, portfolios, etc.
Formative Assessments
are used to monitor the ongoing learning process and provide feedback for improvement. They are usually given during the course or the unit, and they have a low-stakes impact on the learners’ grades or certification. Examples of formative assessments are quizzes, assignments, self-assessments, peer feedback, etc.
Both summative and formative assessments have their advantages and disadvantages. Summative assessments can provide a clear and objective measure of the learners’ achievement, but they can also cause anxiety and stress for the learners, and they may not reflect the true learning process or the individual differences among the learners. Formative assessments can provide timely and specific feedback for the learners to improve their learning, but they can also be time-consuming and challenging for the instructors to design and implement, and they may not align well with the learning objectives or the summative assessments.
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Therefore, it is important for instructors to balance summative and formative assessments in their courses, and to strike the right evaluation mix that suits their context, goals, and learners. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Start with the learning objectives. Define clearly what you want your learners to know and be able to do by the end of the course or the unit, and use them as a guide for choosing and designing your assessments.
- Align your summative and formative assessments. Make sure that your summative assessments measure what your learning objectives state, and that your formative assessments prepare your learners for your summative assessments. Use a variety of assessment methods to capture different aspects of learning, such as knowledge, skills, attitudes, etc.
- Use formative assessments as learning opportunities. Rather than just testing your learners’ knowledge or skills, use formative assessments as a way to enhance their learning. Provide constructive and actionable feedback that helps your learners identify their strengths and weaknesses, and suggest strategies for improvement. Encourage your learners to reflect on their own learning process and progress, and to set goals for themselves. Involve your learners in peer feedback and self-assessment activities that foster collaboration and metacognition.
- Communicate your assessment criteria and expectations. Make sure that your learners understand how they will be assessed, why they will be assessed, and what they need to do to succeed in your assessments. Provide clear and transparent rubrics or guidelines that explain the criteria and standards for your assessments. Share examples of good and bad work that illustrate your expectations. Explain how your formative assessments will inform your summative assessments, and how your summative assessments will affect your learners’ grades or certification.
- Review and revise your assessment practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of your assessment practices regularly, and seek feedback from your learners and colleagues on how to improve them. Use data from your assessments to monitor your learners’ performance and progress, and to identify areas of difficulty or confusion. Adjust your teaching strategies or assessment methods accordingly, and provide additional support or resources for your learners if needed.