What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?

• A. Formative assessments are ongoing checks for learning during instruction; summative assessments evaluate learning at the end of a unit or course.
• B. Formative assessments are cumulative; summative assessments are quick checks during instruction.
• C. Formative assessments are optional; summative assessments are required by policy.
• D. Formative assessments measure only attitude; summative assess cognitive knowledge.

Answer: (A)

The main distinction is timing and purpose: formative assessments are ongoing checks during instruction to monitor progress and guide teaching, while summative assessments evaluate what has been learned after a unit or course.

Formative assessments help both teacher and student adjust the learning process in real time. They can be quick quizzes, exit tickets, think-pair-share, or informal observations that reveal what students understand or struggle with, so instruction can be tweaked accordingly. Summative assessments, on the other hand, capture learning outcomes after instruction is complete—things like final exams, end-of-unit projects, or standardized tests that determine what has been mastered and often contribute to grades.

The other statements don’t fit because formative assessments aren’t inherently cumulative or long-term checks; they’re about ongoing progress during teaching. They aren’t optional by policy; both types can be required or formal, depending on the context. And while attitude or affect can be part of some assessments, both formative and summative assessments are used to measure a range of cognitive knowledge and skills, not limited to one domain.