What distinguishes summative assessments from formative assessments?

The distinction between summative assessments and formative assessments primarily revolves around the timing of the evaluation. Summative assessments are conducted at the end of an instructional period to measure and evaluate student learning against certain benchmarks or standards. This type of assessment is typically used to determine what students have learned and is usually reflected in grades or final evaluations.

In contrast, formative assessments occur during the learning process and are used to gather feedback to improve teaching and learning. They help identify areas where students may be struggling and allow for adjustments to be made in instruction. Because of this timing difference, summative assessments provide a snapshot of achievement at a particular moment, while formative assessments are ongoing and aim to support continuous improvement in student learning.