What is the primary difference between summative and formative assessment?

The primary difference between summative and formative assessment lies in the timing and purpose of each type of evaluation. Summative assessment is specifically designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period, such as the end of a unit or course, and its main goal is to measure the outcomes of the educational process. This type of assessment typically includes final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-term projects, serving as a definitive check on what students have learned and how well they have achieved the educational objectives.

In contrast, formative assessment occurs during the learning process and aims to provide feedback to both students and teachers about ongoing performance. Its purpose is to inform instruction and guide student learning rather than to assign grades or make definitive judgments about student competence at a particular point in time.

By assessing learning at the end of an instructional period, summative assessments provide a comprehensive overview of student performance, which can be used for reporting outcomes, making curricular decisions, and shaping future teaching strategies.