See also, different ways to assess students.

Key differences between summative and formative assessment:

• Purpose: Summative assessment is used to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit or course. It is often used to assign grades or to make decisions about placement or graduation. Formative assessment is used to monitor student learning throughout the learning process. It is used to identify areas where students need help and to provide feedback that can help them improve their learning.
• Timing: Summative assessment is typically done at the end of a unit or course. Formative assessment can be done at any time during the learning process, but it is often done more frequently, such as weekly or monthly.
• Format: Summative assessment can take many different forms, such as tests, essays, projects, and presentations. Formative assessment can also take many different forms, such as quizzes, self-assessments, peer reviews, and teacher observations.
• Purpose of feedback: The purpose of feedback in summative assessment is to evaluate student learning. The purpose of feedback in formative assessment is to help students improve their learning.

Examples

• Summative assessment: A final exam, a research paper, a presentation on a book, or a performance in a play.
• Formative assessment: A self-assessment of a writing assignment, a peer review of a classmate's writing, or a teacher observation of a student's speaking; Socratic method.

It is important to use both summative and formative assessment in the English language learning classroom. Summative assessment can help teachers to measure student learning and to make decisions about instruction. Formative assessment can help teachers to identify areas where students need help and to provide feedback that can help them improve their learning.

Here are some tips for using summative and formative assessment in the English language learning classroom:

• Use a variety of assessment methods: This will help you to get a more complete picture of student learning.
• Give students clear and specific feedback: This will help them to understand their strengths and weaknesses and to improve their learning.
• Use the feedback to adjust your instruction: This will help you to ensure that all students are learning at their own pace.
• Involve students in the assessment process: This will help them to take ownership of their learning and to become more self-directed learners.

By using summative and formative assessment in the English language learning classroom, you can help your students to reach their full potential.