Question

Which assessment method focuses on the process of learning rather than just the outcome?

• A. Summative Assessment
• B. Formative Assessment
• C. Diagnostic Assessment
• D. Norm-referenced Assessment

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Formative Assessment

Understanding Assessment Types in Education

• Formative Assessment: This method is integral to the learning process. It occurs during instruction, providing ongoing feedback to both students and teachers.
• Purpose of Formative Assessment: The primary goal is to monitor student learning and provide opportunities to close achievement gaps. It helps identify areas where students are struggling and allows for timely adjustments to teaching strategies.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Focuses on process and progress.
  • Provides immediate feedback.
  • Informs instructional decisions.
  • Often low-stakes or ungraded.
• Examples of Formative Assessment:
  • Classroom discussions and questioning
  • Quizzes (ungraded or for practice)
  • Exit tickets (short prompts at the end of a lesson)
  • Observation of student work
  • Peer and self-assessment
• Contrast with Summative Assessment:
  • Summative Assessment: Evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional period (e.g., end-of-unit tests, final exams). It measures the outcome or achievement.
  • Summative assessments are typically high-stakes and graded, providing a final judgment on learning.
• Relevance for Competitive Exams: Understanding the distinction between formative and summative assessment is crucial for many educational and teaching-related competitive exams. Questions often test the ability to identify assessment types based on their description and purpose.