Which of the following would not be characterised as formative assessment ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 3 is the correct answer because it describes an assessment task that is used to compare students according to a standard set of criteria. This type of assessment is typically summative in nature, rather than formative. Summative assessments are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period by comparing it against some standard or benchmark. They are often used for grading purposes and to determine whether students have achieved specific learning outcomes.

In contrast, formative assessments are intended to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. Formative assessments are generally low stakes, meaning they have little or no impact on the final grade.

Now, let's explain why each of the other options is incorrect in the context of formative assessment:

1. **Option 1**: An assessment given at the beginning of a new concept to determine students' prior knowledge is a classic example of a formative assessment. It helps teachers understand what students already know and what they need to learn, allowing for instruction to be tailored to meet students' needs.

2. **Option 2**: An assessment given during the class to provide ongoing feedback to students and teachers is a key characteristic of formative assessment. This type of assessment helps identify areas where students are struggling and allows for immediate intervention and support.

3. **Option 4**: An assessment used to identify misconceptions in a student's learning is also a form of formative assessment. By identifying misconceptions, teachers can address them promptly, ensuring that students build a correct understanding of the subject matter.

In summary, Option 3 is the correct answer because it describes a summative assessment, which is not characterized as formative. The other options all describe assessments that are formative in nature, as they are used to guide and improve the learning process.