A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FORMATIVE AND SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN EDUCATION

Abstract

Assessment plays a crucial role in the educational process by providing information about students’ learning progress and academic achievement. Among various assessment methods, formative and summative assessments are the most widely used approaches in educational settings. While formative assessment focuses on monitoring learning during instruction and providing feedback for improvement, summative assessment evaluates students’ achievement at the end of a learning period. This article compares formative and summative assessment in terms of their objectives, characteristics, advantages, and influence on student learning. The study highlights the significance of balancing both assessment types to enhance educational effectiveness and promote student success.