The different modes of assessment

Let us now look at some of the different modes of assessment and define some of the basic terms.

Formative and summative assessment

One of the most basic distinctions is that between formative assessment and summative assessment.

Formative assessment. This is assessment that is carried out during a programme of instruction, its main object being to provide the learners with feedback on how they are doing and thus help them to learn more effectively. It does not normally count towards a final grade, mark or award, nor is it normally used to determine whether the learner will be allowed to progress to a later stage of a course. It is, however, sometimes used to permit entry to an examination - the class certificate or 'duly performed' approach. Examples of formative assessment include:

Summative assessment. This is assessment that is normally carried out at the end of a programme of instruction or section thereof in order to establish or measure what the learner has achieved. It differs from formative assessment in that it generally does count towards a final grade, mark or award, or is used to determine whether the learner is allowed to make progress through the course. Examples of summative assessment include:

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