Thursday, September 13, 2007

Week 3

What is the difference between formative and summative feedback?

Essentially, formative feedback happens during a process while summative happens at the end of a process. Formative feedback ensures that there will be a continuous flow of information so that adjustments can be made during the process. The DID model includes a formative feedback loop in every step of the process. This allows instructors to modify their lessons on the fly. Information can be gathered and adjustments can be made midcourse. Formative feedback allows for quick response to implementation strategies. This makes each step dynamic and flexible allowing for changes throughout the process.
Summative feedback can return data that can be used to help revise each step after the fact. The summative feedback loop is a "final check" of the process once the entire process is completed. This allows for complete modification of lessons, but not while the lesson is taking place.
The use of both formative and summative feedback loops encourage a type of instruction that remains responsive during both the planning and implementation stages. This encourages teachers to think about how to continuously correct and improve each step of a lesson design. Teachers should use both in their classroom in order to better their instruction and enhance their lessons.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In fact, formative feedback and summative feedbask are both important. Formative feedback ensures that adjustments can be made during the process. And this allows instructors to modify their lessons to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Then How about Summative feedback? As you said, it is a "final check", it happens when the entire process is completed. Then this give then educators chance to complete modification of lessons for the next time teaching. They both are important ways to improve the teachers teaching skills.