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Balanced Assessment: From Formative to Summative, a Leading-Edge Approach

Arthur Mason

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Assessment is a crucial component of any educational system. It allows educators to gauge students' understanding of the curriculum, identify areas for improvement, and inform instructional decisions. Traditionally, assessment has been divided into two main categories: formative and summative. However, a more balanced approach to assessment is emerging that incorporates elements of both formative and summative assessment.

Assessment Spectrum, With Formative And Summative At The Ends And Balanced Assessment In The Middle Balanced Assessment: From Formative To Summative (Leading Edge)

Balanced Assessment: From Formative to Summative (Leading Edge)

by Kay Burke

4.4 out of 5

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Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is designed to provide feedback to students and teachers during the learning process. It is typically used to assess students' understanding of a particular concept or skill and to identify areas where they need additional support. Formative assessment can take many forms, including:

Quizzes
Homework assignments
Class discussions
Observations
Self-assessments

The key characteristics of formative assessment are that it is:

Diagnostic: It helps to identify students' strengths and weaknesses.
Continuous: It is used throughout the learning process.
Actionable: It provides information that can be used to adjust instruction.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment is used to evaluate student learning at the end of a unit, semester, or course. It typically takes the form of a test or exam and is used to measure how well students have mastered the content. Summative assessment can also be used to make decisions about placement, promotion, or graduation.

The key characteristics of summative assessment are that it is:

Judgmental: It makes a judgment about student learning.
Done once: It is typically only used at the end of a learning period.
Comparable: It allows for comparisons between students.

Balanced Assessment

A balanced assessment system incorporates elements of both formative and summative assessment. This approach allows educators to:

Assess student learning throughout the learning process.
Identify areas where students need additional support.
Make informed decisions about instruction.
Evaluate student learning at the end of a learning period.

There are many different ways to implement a balanced assessment system. One common approach is to use formative assessment to monitor student learning and summative assessment to evaluate student learning at the end of a unit, semester, or course. Another approach is to use formative assessment to provide feedback to students and summative assessment to make decisions about placement, promotion, or graduation.

The key to implementing a balanced assessment system is to use a variety of assessment techniques that are appropriate for the learning objectives and the students' needs.

Benefits of a Balanced Assessment System

There are many benefits to using a balanced assessment system. Some of the benefits include:

Improved student learning: Balanced assessment provides students with feedback and support throughout the learning process, which can help them to improve their learning outcomes.
Increased teacher effectiveness: Balanced assessment helps teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses and make informed decisions about instruction.
Enhanced decision-making: Balanced assessment provides data that can be used to make informed decisions about placement, promotion, and graduation.

Challenges of a Balanced Assessment System

There are some challenges to implementing a balanced assessment system. Some of the challenges include:

Time constraints: Implementing a balanced assessment system can be time-consuming, especially for teachers who are already overburdened with other responsibilities.
Cost: Balanced assessment often requires the use of additional resources, such as software and materials.
Resistance to change: Some teachers may be resistant to change and may not be willing to adopt a new assessment system.

Despite the challenges, the benefits of a balanced assessment system outweigh the drawbacks. By implementing a balanced assessment system, schools can improve student learning, increase teacher effectiveness, and enhance decision-making.

Assessment is an essential component of any educational system. A balanced assessment system incorporates elements of both formative and summative assessment and provides a comprehensive view of student learning. By using a balanced assessment system, schools can improve student learning, increase teacher effectiveness, and enhance decision-making.

Balanced Assessment: From Formative to Summative (Leading Edge)

by Kay Burke

4.4 out of 5