What is the primary difference between summative assessment and formative assessment?

The primary difference between summative assessment and formative assessment lies in their timing and purpose within the educational process. Summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period or unit and are designed to evaluate and measure students' learning achievements, often resulting in a final grade or score. These assessments provide a snapshot of what students have learned up to that point.

In contrast, formative assessments are ongoing, taking place during the learning process. They are intended to provide feedback to both teachers and students about the learning progress, allowing for adjustments and improvements in instruction and learning strategies. Formative assessments help identify areas where students may need additional support or challenge.

This distinction highlights how summative assessments typically assess cumulative knowledge and skills, while formative assessments focus on facilitating continuous improvement in learning. Thus, the recognition of summative's endpoint nature versus formative's iterative approach is key to understanding the role each type of assessment plays in education.