AS4ODFL/Activity-based assessment/Summative and formative assessment

Summative assessment often takes the form of an assignment or a written exam after students have completed a section of work.

Traditional summative assignments may be more challenging for online students. Online learning and assessment requires more self-direction and self-motivation. Many students are still developing skills like time-management and self-regulation.

Most institutions have a Learning Management System (LMS). But if your students only have intermittent access to the internet, they will not necessarily be able to do online assessments on your institution’s LMS.

Wiliam (2011) and Bennett (2009) agree that it is unhelpful, and simplistic, to equate assessment for learning with formative assessment, and assessment of learning with summative assessment. Bennett suggests that assessments designed primarily to serve a summative function may also function formatively, and those designed primarily to serve a formative function may also function summatively. Think about this when you do the next formative activity for yourself.

Once you have integrated activities into students’ learning, you have already begun to shift the focus to more formative kinds of assessment. Complete this true false quiz to check your understanding of summative and formative assessment.