Skill Assessments: Formative vs Summative

What are the two main types of skill assessments?

a. Formative and Cumulative

b. Formative and Summative

Answer:

b. Formative and Summative

When it comes to skill assessments in an educational setting, the two main types are Formative and Summative assessments. These assessments serve different purposes and play important roles in monitoring student progress and understanding.

Formative assessments are ongoing evaluations that occur during the learning process. They provide immediate feedback to students and teachers, helping to identify areas where students may be struggling and where additional support is needed. Formative assessments can take the form of quizzes, discussions, observations, or any other method that allows for quick assessment of student understanding.

Summative assessments, on the other hand, are typically given at the end of a learning period to assess overall mastery of the material. These assessments are used to measure student learning outcomes and determine whether students have achieved the desired level of understanding. Examples of summative assessments include final exams, projects, and standardized tests.

By utilizing both Formative and Summative assessments, educators can gain a comprehensive view of student learning and progress. Formative assessments help guide instruction and provide timely feedback, while Summative assessments offer a way to evaluate student achievement and understanding at the end of a unit or course.