Formal Assessment vs. Informal Assessment: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Formal assessments are structured and standardized, while informal assessments are flexible and observational.
Key Differences
Formal Assessment involves structured testing, often with standardized tools, to evaluate learning in a quantifiable way. Informal Assessment, conversely, uses unstructured methods like observations and discussions to gauge understanding.
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Nov 17, 2023
Formal Assessment typically includes exams and quizzes with predetermined criteria, allowing for systematic evaluation. Informal Assessment, on the other hand, might involve impromptu questioning or review of classwork, focusing on qualitative insights.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
In Formal Assessment, results are often used for official records and grading. Informal Assessment, however, is more about ongoing feedback and less about grading.
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Nov 17, 2023
Formal Assessment usually occurs at specific points, like midterms or finals. Informal Assessment can happen at any time, providing continuous learning insights.
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Nov 17, 2023
Formal Assessment often requires extensive preparation and is usually high stakes. Informal Assessment is more spontaneous, providing immediate feedback with lower stress.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Preparation and Stakes
Requires preparation, high stakes
Spontaneous, lower stress
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Formal Assessment and Informal Assessment Definitions
Formal Assessment
Formal Assessment usually has fixed criteria for evaluation.
The essay's grading rubric was a key part of the Formal Assessment.
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Nov 10, 2023
Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment is an unstructured approach to gauge learning.
Through daily discussions, an Informal Assessment of student comprehension was conducted.
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Nov 10, 2023
Formal Assessment
Formal Assessment is a structured method of evaluating student learning.
The final exam, a Formal Assessment, counted for 40% of the course grade.
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Nov 10, 2023
Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment is used for continuous learning adjustment.
Weekly quizzes were part of an Informal Assessment to adapt teaching methods.
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Nov 10, 2023
Formal Assessment
Formal Assessment results are typically recorded and used for grading.
Her excellent performance in the Formal Assessment boosted her overall grade.
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Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment can be spontaneous and flexible.
Impromptu questions during the lesson acted as an Informal Assessment of understanding.
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Nov 10, 2023
Formal Assessment
Formal Assessment often uses standardized tests.
The state-wide math test is a Formal Assessment used to measure student proficiency.
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Nov 10, 2023
Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment often involves observations and feedback.
The teacher's ongoing observations served as an Informal Assessment of class participation.
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Nov 10, 2023
Formal Assessment
Formal Assessment occurs at predetermined times.
Midterm exams are a type of Formal Assessment to evaluate mid-semester progress.
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Nov 10, 2023
Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment focuses on qualitative insights rather than grades.
The project's group discussions were an Informal Assessment of teamwork skills.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Informal Assessment be used for grading?
Informal Assessment is typically not used for formal grading, but for continuous feedback.
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Nov 17, 2023
How is Informal Assessment integrated into daily teaching?
Informal Assessment is integrated through activities like class discussions and observations.
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Nov 17, 2023
What is the main goal of Formal Assessment?
The main goal of Formal Assessment is to systematically evaluate and grade learning.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are standardized tests a type of Formal Assessment?
Yes, standardized tests are a common form of Formal Assessment.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are essays a type of Formal Assessment?
Essays can be a type of Formal Assessment when used with structured rubrics and grading.
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Nov 17, 2023
Does Formal Assessment require specific preparation?
Yes, Formal Assessment often requires specific preparation by both teachers and students.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is Informal Assessment suitable for all age groups?
Yes, Informal Assessment can be adapted for any age group and learning environment.
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Nov 17, 2023
How often is Informal Assessment conducted?
Informal Assessment can be conducted frequently, even daily, as part of regular teaching.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can Informal Assessment improve student-teacher relationships?
Yes, the interactive nature of Informal Assessment can enhance student-teacher relationships.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are oral presentations a form of Formal Assessment?
Oral presentations can be a form of Formal Assessment if they have structured criteria.
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Nov 17, 2023
How does Formal Assessment impact student stress levels?
Formal Assessment can be high-stress due to its structured nature and impact on grades.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can Informal Assessment be used to modify teaching strategies?
Yes, Informal Assessment is valuable for adapting and improving teaching strategies.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is peer review an example of Informal Assessment?
Yes, peer review can be used as a method of Informal Assessment.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is Formal Assessment more objective than Informal Assessment?
Formal Assessment is generally more objective due to its standardized nature.
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Nov 17, 2023
Does Formal Assessment always involve written tests?
While often involving written tests, Formal Assessment can also include other structured formats.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can Informal Assessment guide curriculum development?
Yes, insights from Informal Assessment can inform and shape curriculum development.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can Formal Assessment results be used for academic placement?
Yes, Formal Assessment results are often used for decisions like academic placement.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is Formal Assessment limited to academic subjects?
Formal Assessment is most common in academic subjects but can be used in other areas.
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Nov 17, 2023
How does Informal Assessment support individualized learning?
Informal Assessment allows teachers to tailor instruction to individual student needs.
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How does Informal Assessment benefit diverse learners?
Informal Assessment's flexibility allows it to cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
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Nov 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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