Are assessments formative or summative?

Formative assessment definition

Formative assessments, similar to an ongoing 'exam,' are instrumental in gauging learners' progress throughout the duration of a course. Unlike traditional assessments, formative evaluations occur in real time, offering continuous feedback to both trainers and learners. They are dynamic tools that foster an adaptable learning environment [1].

Formative assessments, similar to an ongoing 'exam,' are instrumental in gauging learners' progress throughout the duration of a course

How can I use formative assessments as an online trainer?

As an online trainer, incorporating formative assessments is crucial for maintaining engagement and ensuring comprehension. Trainers can create interactive quizzes, polls, and exams that enable real-time monitoring of participants' understanding. This dynamic approach allows for immediate adjustments to teaching strategies, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience [2].

Summative assessment definition

Summative assessments, in contrast, are similar to the traditional 'final exam' and provide a comprehensive evaluation of learners' overall achievements at the end of a course. They offer a snapshot of the collective knowledge and skills acquired over the learning period [3].

How can I use a summative assessment as an online trainer?

Online trainers can leverage summative assessments to gauge the overall success of their training programs. By incorporating tools, trainers can craft secure and comprehensive final exams that measure participants' mastery of the course content. This approach not only validates the effectiveness of the training program but also guides future course development.

By incorporating tools, trainers can craft secure and comprehensive final exams that measure participants' mastery of the course content

Formative assessments and Easy LMS

Our Exam builder boasts key features that empower trainers in the realm of formative assessments. Trainers can utilize this feature for pre-testing clients' participants' knowledge before the training begins. This capability provides valuable insights into existing knowledge gaps, enabling trainers to tailor their content accordingly. The flexibility of question types and reporting features ensures seamless integration of formative assessments into the online training landscape.

Summative assessments and Easy LMS

Regarding summative assessments, Easy LMS’s Exam builder shines as an invaluable asset. Trainers can leverage its features to create post-training exams, thoroughly evaluating participants' understanding of the course material. Easy LMS offers detailed reporting and analytics functionalities. These empower trainers to assess the overall effectiveness of the training program and make informed decisions for future iterations.

Conclusion

The synergy between formative and summative assessments is paramount in the realm of online training. Easy LMS’s Exam builder serves as a catalyst, offering a versatile feature that integrates both assessment types. By leveraging the power of our tool, trainers and consultants can create an interactive, adaptable, and comprehensive learning experience. This ensures the success of their online training programs.

Useful resources

1. Gradecam

2. Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning

3. SplashLearn