In education, there are two main forms of assessment, which vary according to their purpose.
Formative Assessment
Formative is an ongoing assessment as part of the learning process through feedback to learners and teachers to help shape the future learning. This is sometimes referred to as ‘Assessment for Learning’. Cambridge Assessment has developed a specific ‘assessment for learning’ tool called achieve in partnership with Harcourt.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment usually takes place at the end of a programme of learning in order to find out what has been learnt and what standard the learner has reached. This is the most traditional method of assessment and is most often applied to main stream qualifications such as A Levels and GCSEs.
Listed below are the main types of assessment:
- Pen/pencil and paper - The traditional examination method
- Computer-based - Tests that can be taken on a computer
- Practical - Subject-specific activity which is observed
- Academic - Traditional
- Vocational - Work-related qualifications
