What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?

The distinction between formative and summative assessment is foundational in instructional design and educational practice. The correct answer highlights that formative assessment is an ongoing process that takes place during the instructional phase. This allows instructors to gather feedback on students' understanding and skills throughout the learning experience, enabling them to make timely adjustments to teaching methods or materials as needed. Examples of formative assessment include quizzes, discussions, peer reviews, and informal observations that inform both the teacher and the students about current performance and areas for improvement.

On the other hand, summative assessment is conducted at the end of an instructional period to evaluate what students have learned and to measure the overall effectiveness of the instructional design. This type of assessment typically includes final exams, end-of-term projects, or standardized tests that assess the cumulative knowledge and skills gained by students over the course of the instruction. Thus, the correct answer clearly articulates the purpose and timing of these two types of assessment, indicating their roles in the educational process.