The terms “formative feedback” and “summative feedback” give a huge clue to what the differences in the two types of feedback are. As the name suggests, formative feedback occurs during an event or process and plays a part in shaping, or forming, each step along the way. Summative feedback, on the other hand, is more a part of the summary of the event or process . . . it can play a part in shaping the process the next time through, but it’s too late to play a part in the process it’s giving you feedback on. Formative feedback requires you to check and re-evaluate after each step whereas summative feedback plays a role in your reflections once it’s all said and done. Both types of feedback are very important. Checking yourself as you go through the steps allows you to readjust your plans; however, that variety of self-evaluation isn’t as thorough because a thorough evaluation requires you to step back and reflect.
A teacher using formative feedback may choose to spend more time than originally planned covering a specific topic because the students are having trouble understanding the concept. After the lesson is complete, the teacher may use summative feedback to decide on a better way to teach it so that students understand the first time through.
I believe that using both formative and summative feedback are key to being an effective teacher. If the teacher does not readjust the lesson to accommodate student needs as necessary, the student will become hopelessly lost over time. Most education builds on prior education, and it is potentially devastating to try to build on a block that is not there. This makes formative feedback vital. Also, once a teacher has the opportunity to reevaluate the lesson, it would be senseless to continue to plan to do something that clearly failed during a previous attempt. Doing so would waste both the student’s and the teacher’s time and energy.
A wise teacher manages to monitor all students and effectively use all types of feedback to remain effective in lessons. Feedback tells the teacher how each student learns best, and when the teacher accommodates all learning styles, it allows students to keep up with the lessons and learn to the best of their ability. When students succeed, that is when the teacher knows he or she is succeeding as a teacher.
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2 comments:
Formative and summative feedback are important guides for teachers when used correctly. I am more an advocate for formative feedback because it not only helps teachers know more about what is going on with her class, and individual students, but it also gives the students feedback on their own learning processes. How can a student adjust his or her learning style and strategies without knowing if what they have perceived is correct or not.
Tonya
I agree that a well rounded teachers will employee both summative and formative feedback during an academic day. Learning styles and strategies are just part of the solution for teaching. A teacher need to emplyee several assessment methods to make sure that the kids - get it!
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