Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test 2025 - Free TESOL Practice Questions and Study Guide

The distinction between formative and summative assessment is primarily rooted in their purposes and timing. Formative assessment is designed to be a continuous process throughout the course or instructional period, with the goal of providing ongoing feedback to both the teacher and students. This feedback is crucial for identifying areas where students may need additional support or clarification, thus facilitating improvements in learning as it happens.

On the other hand, summative assessment is typically conducted at the end of an instructional unit or course. Its primary function is to evaluate and measure the extent of student learning and achievement against established standards or learning objectives. As such, it provides a summary of what students have learned over a period of time, rather than focusing on improving learning as it occurs.

Therefore, the correct choice highlights that while formative assessment aims to enhance learning during the educational process, summative assessment serves to evaluate and summarize the learning that has occurred. This understanding is essential for educators when they design their assessment strategies.