Formal vs. Informal Assessment: Know the Differences and How to Use Them

Introduction

Assessments are an integral part of the teaching and learning process. They assist educators in determining the progress and development of their students. However, choosing the right type of assessment can be a difficult task. With formal and informal assessments being the two most commonly used types of assessments, this article aims to help educators understand their differences and how to use them effectively.

Formal Assessment

Formal assessments are standardized tests that follow a strict format and are administered under specific conditions. These tests are pre-planned and have a set of instructions and criteria that need to be followed. They are primarily used to measure a student’s progress against established learning objectives or standards. Examples of formal assessments include exams, quizzes, and state assessments.

Informal Assessment

Informal assessments are customized tests that do not follow a rigid format and are administered in a relaxed environment. They are unstructured and are usually used to gather information that is difficult or impossible to obtain through formal assessments. Informal assessments can be as simple as observing a student during classroom activities or as complex as conducting interviews or asking open-ended questions.

How to Use Formal and Informal Assessments

Educators use both types of assessments to gather information about a student’s learning progress and their understanding of the subject matter. Formal assessments are generally used to evaluate the student’s knowledge and measure their progress against standards. Informal assessments are particularly useful in identifying individual needs, such as knowledge gaps, skills deficits, and specific learning styles.

Examples of Formal and Informal Assessments

Examples of formal assessments include state-required tests such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams, district benchmark or unit tests, mid-term and final exams, and quizzes. Informal assessments, on the other hand, could consist of student self-assessment, peer evaluations, classroom observations, open-ended questions, or discussions.

The Pros and Cons of Formal and Informal Assessments

Formal assessments are objective, have standardized grading systems, and are relatively easy to administer. However, they do not account for nuances such as personal growth, motivation, or creativity. Informal assessments, on the other hand, are more subjective, focus on the process rather than the end result and can provide valuable feedback to educators. However, more effort is required to develop these assessments and they may lack validity or reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both formal and informal assessments are valuable tools in assessing student learning. While formal assessments are useful in measuring progress against established standards, informal assessments provide a richer insight into individual student needs. Educators should consider using both types of assessments to create a comprehensive understanding of their student’s learning process and to better meet their individual needs.