When it comes to assessment, we all think of tests and exams. But this is just scratching the surface of the assessment glacier. There are more than type of assessment!

Summative assessment is the type we all think of – end of unit tests, national exams and other formal written tests. The idea here is that summative assessments are assessment OF learning. It checks that students have learnt what you intended them to learn, and can be compared against one another to assess general progress. This data can also be reported to parents and other relevant bodies.

Formative assessment on the other hand, is all about assessment FOR learning. This involves all the dialogue had with a class, when you the teacher checks the progress during the lesson. Think carefully about the way you phrase questions in order to allow students time to think and respond. This assessment helps the teacher to plan further lessons and assess immediate progress.