2. Defining Summative Assessment Summative Assessments are tests given from time to time to measure what material students have a full grasp on, along with making it clear what students do not fully understand. These types of assessments are given every few weeks, months, or even at the end of a year.
3. They are useful for teachers in how they determine where their students are at, in terms of whether or not standards are being met. Summative assessments also help with curriculum and school improvement. This type of assessment is most useful in determining the effectiveness of teaching techniques and strategies after a specific lesson, such as unit, or chapter, tests. Uses for Summative Assessments
4. Examples of Summative Assessments End-of-unit or chapter tests End-of-term or semester exams State assessments, I-Step Scores that are used for accountability, such as those scores used for students’ report cards.
5. Definition of Formative Assessment Formative Assessment is used continuously throughout a lesson, or project because it is used to aid in the actual process of learning. This type of assessment is more diagnostic, rather than necessarily being used for grading purposes.
6. Uses of Formative Assessment Formative assessment provides feedback to students throughout their time working on certain material. They can help teachers to notice if instructions or techniques need to be modified throughout a lesson. This type of assessment gives students constructive guidance to help them improve their work, and/or methods for learning. It encourages students to self-assess their own work, which is a helpful skill that can be used throughout their time as a student, and when they enter their career field.
8. Assessments and Technology Because education is continuously changing as technology becomes a larger part of the curriculum, it is important to use summative and formative assessment in technology-based projects and courses. Summative assessment can help to measure what skills have been acquired, and what skills need to be worked on further. Formative assessment is helpful because it allows students to know whether or not they are using technological tools in appropriate ways, in order to enhance their understanding and usage of the technology.
