What is the difference between formative and summative assessments?

Formative assessments occur during training and are designed to provide feedback to both instructors and students about the learning process. Their primary purpose is to monitor learner progress and understanding, allowing for adjustments to be made in teaching strategies and learning activities as needed. This ongoing evaluation helps identify areas where students may be struggling and enables instructors to provide additional support or clarify concepts before moving on to new material.

In contrast, summative assessments are typically conducted at the end of a program or course unit to evaluate overall learning outcomes and determine if educational goals have been met. They are used to gauge the effectiveness of the training as a whole, rather than to facilitate continuous improvement during the instructional process. Therefore, the correct distinction places formative assessments as integral tools for real-time feedback and adjustment, emphasizing their role throughout the learning experience.