i. Formal assessment is a preplanned, systematic,
and deliberate measure to determine and ascer tain the current level of
proficiency of the learner. It is done in the form of tests. On the basis of
formal assessment, a teacher can assess oneself as well, and modify one’s
teaching accordingly. Formal assessments are done in accordance with a select
set of methodologies and objectives. Thus, it is very well structured, and a
system in itself. It also give the students time to prepare
themselves for tests.
However, formal assessments may not be as effective
as they could be if they are not planned/conducted properly. First, each
and every learner has his/her own set of skills. And, some are just better than
others. If formative assessment is done in such a way, that the test does not
give the students ample opportunities to perform the best they can, it can
discourage them.
In addition, it is often seen that in formal assessments, all the four
communication skills are not always tested.
ii. Informal assessment is based on teacher’s
observations during the class. By observing how students behave and respond,
teachers become aware of certain things that they might act upon later on. For
example, there might be a few students who feel uncomfortable whenever a text
deals with race and religion. If it comes to the notice of the teacher through
informal assessment, one would definitely try to modify one’s way of explaining
things in order to make those students comfortable.
However, since informal assessment relies upon the
teacher’s perspectives and one’s innate understanding of human psychology, one
may assess poorly, and consequently, make a wrong assumption.
iii. Formative assessment records the on-going
development of the learners in order to estimate not only the current level of
proficiency of the learners, but also to predict what to expect from them after
completion of the course. At any point of time, a teacher can provide the
assessment data on any student. At the same time, since learners keep facing
challenges in the form of formative evaluation, they get ample opportunities to
prepare themselves for their finals.
However, formative assessments can be very stressful
for the learners. Many students often report that in their schools, teachers
teach less, and take class-tests more. Secondly, formative assessments are extremely
time-consuming.
iv. Summative assessments are those assessments
which are done at the end of a course. They help us understand whether the
course objectives are fulfilled or not. In a way, summative assessments certify
a learner eligible to face the challenges of the next level.
However, these assessments remain unsuccessful
in assessing whether all the necessary skills are attained or not. At times, summative tests are given so much importance in the society that even if
one becomes a victim of faulty assessment one remains ineligible to get
several opportunities in the job sector.
