Formative Approach in Teaching vs. Summative Approach in Teaching

Attribute	Formative Approach in Teaching	Summative Approach in Teaching
Goal	Focuses on providing feedback and improving learning during the process	Focuses on evaluating learning outcomes at the end of a period
Timing	Ongoing and continuous throughout the learning process	Occurs at the end of a learning period or unit
Feedback	Feedback is used to guide and improve learning	Feedback is used to assign grades and evaluate performance
Focus	Focuses on the process of learning	Focuses on the outcome of learning

Definition

The formative approach in teaching involves providing feedback and assessments throughout the learning process to help students improve and grow. It focuses on identifying areas of strength and weakness in students' understanding and skills, allowing teachers to adjust their instruction accordingly. On the other hand, the summative approach in teaching involves evaluating students' learning at the end of a unit or course to determine their level of achievement. It typically takes the form of final exams, projects, or papers that assess students' overall knowledge and skills.

Purpose

The purpose of the formative approach is to support student learning by providing ongoing feedback and opportunities for improvement. It helps students understand their progress and areas for growth, leading to increased motivation and engagement. In contrast, the purpose of the summative approach is to evaluate students' overall performance and determine their level of mastery of the material. It is often used to assign grades or make decisions about students' progression to the next level of learning.

Timing

Formative assessments are typically conducted throughout the learning process, allowing teachers to monitor student progress and provide timely feedback. These assessments can take the form of quizzes, discussions, or observations that inform instruction and support student growth. Summative assessments, on the other hand, are usually administered at the end of a unit or course to evaluate students' overall learning outcomes. They provide a snapshot of students' achievement at a specific point in time.

Feedback

One of the key differences between the formative and summative approaches is the type of feedback provided to students. In the formative approach, feedback is ongoing and focused on specific areas for improvement. It is intended to help students understand their strengths and weaknesses and guide them towards mastery of the material. In contrast, feedback in the summative approach is often limited to a final grade or score, providing less opportunity for students to learn from their mistakes and improve.

Focus

The formative approach places a strong emphasis on the process of learning, with a focus on growth and improvement over time. It values the journey of learning and recognizes that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. In contrast, the summative approach tends to prioritize the outcome of learning, with a focus on the final product or result. It is more concerned with measuring students' achievement at a specific point in time rather than their growth and development.

Flexibility

Formative assessments offer greater flexibility in terms of timing and format, allowing teachers to tailor their instruction to meet students' individual needs. They can be adapted and modified throughout the learning process to address students' changing understanding and skills. Summative assessments, on the other hand, are typically more rigid and standardized, with less room for adjustments based on students' progress. They provide a more fixed measure of students' achievement at a specific point in time.

Impact on Learning

Research has shown that the formative approach can have a positive impact on student learning outcomes. By providing ongoing feedback and opportunities for improvement, students are more likely to stay engaged and motivated to learn. They are also better able to understand their strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of their learning. In contrast, the summative approach may have a more limited impact on student learning, as it focuses more on evaluating students' performance rather than supporting their growth and development.