Summative Assessments
The goal of summative assessment is to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some standard or benchmark. They are often high-stakes, such as exams, papers, and recitals. - Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation, Carnegie Mellon University
Formative Assessments
The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. Some examples include identifying main points of a lecture, or low-stakes knowledge checks. - Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation, Carnegie Mellon University
Alternative Assessments
Alternative assessments, also referred to as performance tests or authentic assessments, are used to determine what students can and cannot do, in contrast to what they do or do not know. In other words, an alternative assessment measures applied proficiency more than it measures knowledge. Typical examples of alternative assessments include portfolios, project work, and other activities requiring some type of rubric.
- See some examples in Technology Enhanced Assessment
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Are you looking for information and resources to help you develop and complete your student learning outcomes assessment requirements? The SCC Assessment Academy’s website is Artichokes Assess Learning! There you will find information about what assessment is and what purpose it serves, how to take part in the campus assessment process, the levels of outcomes that SCC assesses (Course, Program, and Institutional Learning Outcomes), and how SCC assesses its General Education program. You will also find the answers to many frequently asked questions, as well as information about how to enhance your professional development related to assessment.
Please contact Mary Pasco if you do not find the information you need or if you have further questions.