Discovering the Differences: Examples of Formal and Informal Assessments

Discovering the Differences: Examples of Formal and Informal Assessments

Assessments play a critical role in the development and growth of students, employees, and organizations. There are different types of assessments, including formal and informal assessments. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to know when and how to use them effectively.

Formal Assessments

Formal assessments are standardized tests that are conducted under controlled conditions. They are typically designed to evaluate a student’s performance against a set of standardized criteria. Formal assessments include:

1. Standardized Tests

Standardized tests are used to measure student’s achievement and progress. They have a fixed set of questions that are administered to all test-takers, and the results are compared to a predetermined standard score. These tests are often used to track and compare student progress over time.

2. Summative Assessments

Summative assessments are used to evaluate learning outcomes and measure mastery of a subject or course. These assessments are usually given at the end of a course or unit to determine what the student has learned. They are scored based on a predetermined rubric or grading system.

Informal Assessments

Informal assessments are less structured and more flexible than formal assessments. Informal assessments are often used to gather information about a student’s strengths and weaknesses, to identify areas for improvement, and to tailor instruction to meet the student’s individual needs. Examples of informal assessments include:

1. Observations

Observations are a powerful tool for teachers, employers, and managers to gather information about an individual’s behavior, performance, and skills. Observations can be structured or unstructured, and they may be conducted in person or via video or audio recordings.

2. Performance Tasks

Performance tasks are used to evaluate an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. These tasks may include projects, essays, presentations, or other types of performance-based assessment.

Conclusion

Formal and informal assessments can be used to gather important information about student and employee performance. Understanding the differences between these two types of assessments is essential to know when and how to use them effectively. Informal assessments can be flexible and tailored to meet individual needs, while formal assessments are standardized and used to measure progress against fixed criteria. No matter which type of assessment is used, it should be carefully planned, structured, and administered to ensure accurate and reliable results.

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