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Formative Assessment

Understanding Formative Assessment in Higher Education

Formative assessment refers to low-stakes, ongoing evaluations designed to give feedback and guide learning throughout a course. It contrasts with summative assessments, which are final evaluations of learning outcomes.

Glossary Terms
Term
Description
Formative Assessment

Ongoing assessments used to monitor student learning and inform instructional adjustments.

Feedback Loop

A cycle of assessment, feedback, and revision aimed at improving student understanding.

Low-Stakes Quiz

A short quiz used for learning checks, not heavily weighted in the final grade.

Reflective Journal

A student-maintained log used to reflect on learning experiences and progress.

Peer Review

A process where students evaluate each other’s work for formative feedback.

Exit Ticket

A brief activity at the end of a lesson that checks for student comprehension.

Evolving Feedback Practices

 Digital platforms now support real-time formative feedback, adaptive quizzes, and analytics that guide personalized instruction. These tools make formative assessment a more dynamic part of teaching.