What distinguishes formative assessment from summative assessment?

Formative assessment is distinguished by its ongoing nature, which is specifically designed to monitor student learning and provide continuous feedback that can be used to improve both teaching and learning processes. This type of assessment occurs during the instructional process rather than at the end of a course, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. It emphasizes the improvement of learning over time, making it a critical component in the educational process.

In contrast, summative assessment is primarily focused on evaluating student learning at the end of an instructional unit or course. While summative assessments provide a final measure of student learning and performance, they do not inherently aim for improvement during the learning process, which characterizes formative assessments. Thus, the defining feature of formative assessment lies in its ongoing and adaptive approach to enhancing student learning throughout a course.