What is the difference between formative and summative assessments?

The correct answer highlights that formative assessments are designed to be ongoing processes that occur throughout a learning experience. These assessments provide continuous feedback to both students and instructors, allowing for real-time adjustments to improve the learning process. They help gauge understanding and skill development as instruction progresses, rather than at the conclusion of a learning unit.

In contrast, summative assessments take place at the end of an instructional period, such as a unit or course, to evaluate what students have learned and how well they have mastered the material. These assessments typically measure the overall success of the educational objectives and may contribute to formal grading.

This distinction is fundamental in educational settings, as formative assessments focus on enhancing learning and teaching strategies, while summative assessments are more about measuring the final outcomes after instruction has been completed. Understanding this difference is crucial for educators in developing effective teaching and assessment strategies.