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Formative assessment

Assessment during learning, used to find out what pupils understand and adapt teaching; also called assessment for learning.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ), United States, International
Topic
Assessment

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Assessment for learning (AfL) All four UK nations (details may differ) International
Using assessment information during teaching to identify next steps and give feedback; often used to mean formative assessment.
Summative assessment All four UK nations (details may differ) United States International
Assessment at the end of a unit, course or period to measure what has been learned, such as an end-of-year exam.

More terms: Assessment

Extended response · Extra time · Flight path · Foundation tier · Higher tier · Levels of response

More terms starting with F · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.