Formative Assessment vs. Standardized Assessment

Attribute	Formative Assessment	Standardized Assessment
Purpose	Assesses student learning progress during instruction	Assesses student learning at a specific point in time
Timing	Ongoing throughout instruction	Administered at specific intervals or times
Feedback	Immediate feedback provided to students	Feedback may not be immediate
Scoring	Often qualitative or descriptive	Numerical or letter grades
Flexibility	Flexible and adaptable to student needs	Standardized and uniform for all students

Definition

Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students' achievement of intended instructional outcomes. It is typically informal and ongoing, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments to instruction. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is a formal test that is administered to all students in a consistent manner. It is used to measure students' performance against a set of predetermined criteria or standards.

Purpose

The purpose of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide feedback to both teachers and students to guide instructional decisions. It helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching accordingly. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is used to measure student achievement at a specific point in time and compare it to a larger group of students. It is often used for accountability purposes, such as determining school or teacher effectiveness.

Timing

Formative assessment is typically conducted throughout the learning process, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments to instruction. It is ongoing and can be used to inform instruction in real-time. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is usually administered at specific points in time, such as the end of a unit or school year. It provides a snapshot of student performance at that particular moment.

Flexibility

Formative assessment is flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students or classes. Teachers can use a variety of strategies, such as quizzes, discussions, or observations, to gather information about student learning. They can also adjust their instruction based on the feedback they receive. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is rigid and standardized, with all students taking the same test under the same conditions. There is little room for flexibility or customization in standardized assessments.

Feedback

Formative assessment provides immediate feedback to both teachers and students, allowing for adjustments to instruction and learning in real-time. Teachers can use formative assessment data to identify areas where students may be struggling and provide additional support or resources. Students can use the feedback to understand their strengths and weaknesses and make improvements. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, typically provides feedback after the test has been completed. This feedback is often limited to a score or grade, without specific information on areas of strength or weakness.

Validity and Reliability

Formative assessment is considered to be more valid and reliable than standardized assessment because it is based on multiple sources of evidence gathered over time. Teachers can use a variety of assessment strategies to gather information about student learning, providing a more comprehensive picture of student achievement. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is limited in its validity and reliability because it is based on a single test administered at a specific point in time. It may not accurately reflect students' true abilities or knowledge.

Impact on Teaching and Learning

Formative assessment has a positive impact on teaching and learning by providing ongoing feedback that can be used to improve instruction and student achievement. Teachers can use formative assessment data to identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching accordingly. Students benefit from immediate feedback that helps them understand their progress and make improvements. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, can have a negative impact on teaching and learning by focusing on test preparation and rote memorization. Teachers may feel pressured to "teach to the test" rather than focusing on deeper learning experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, formative assessment and standardized assessment serve different purposes and have different attributes. Formative assessment is flexible, ongoing, and provides immediate feedback to guide instruction and learning. It is considered to be more valid and reliable than standardized assessment. Standardized assessment, on the other hand, is rigid, standardized, and used for accountability purposes. While both types of assessment have their place in education, formative assessment is often seen as more beneficial for improving teaching and learning outcomes.