Answer:
Probably not although both are assessments as they will loose their meaning itself. They should alternate. Formative assessment be followed by summative assessments
Formative and Summative
Formative Assessment is mainly Self Assessment where each learner assesses himself on continuous basis
Summative Assessments are done after a period of time to measure student's competency after instructional phase is over. These are what we call Exams such as annual exams at school or universities or entrance exams
Necessity of Formative (Self Assessments)
FOR STUDENTS
Self assessment in education involves a process where students can make judgment or becritique of self knowledge and self understanding . After studying a particularsubject or topic or preparing for a whole year, few obvious questions in student's mind are
Have I understood what I studied ?
Is my understanding adequate ?
Have I covered enough in this subject/topic ?
Is my knowledge adequate for the test?
Can I complete the test in time ?
What is effect of negative marking pattern while attempting a test?
Self Assessment is extremely useful
* in monitoring your own performance on knowledge, skills, time management etc
* learning to be critique of your own knowledge and understanding
* learning to take full responsibilities of your performance
* learning about your shortcomings and initiate steps for improvement
* learning from you mistakes and improving on them
* learning about topics you have not covered or covered inadequately
* learning where you stand vis-a-vis your peers in this competitive world of education
Remember learning can be effectively undertaken
When you understand what is known to you What remains to be known And initiate steps to bridge the gap .
FOR TEACHERS
Formative (Self) Assessment is for each student but it is still not in isolationSelf assessment is important in relation to teachers and mentors as their teaching has lot of influence on student. Assessment feedback to teachers and mentors on their student will inform them on his performance and mistakes. It will be effective tool to discern strengths and weakness of student and can help in initiating planned actions in improvement of shortcomings and monitor same for progress
FOR PARENTS
Progress report may not provide specific information based on assessment whether your child is making progress towards his goals or not. Parents need to evaluate along with child his strengths and weaknesses and initiate steps to fill the gap in his educational needs and help him achieve his goals
Their personal involvement / interest in your child's education gives him motivation to progress further. They need not have any knowledge of the subject
They can just encourage their child to take a 15 minutes self test on each subject or topic taught to him in the school / college / institution today. They can get fair idea of child's performance
Necessity of Summative Assessment
is more for institutions because they need to effectiveness of teaching in developing student competencies after completion of studies and to ensure that student has gained threshold level of knowledge required to move to next higher academic courses. In addition where there are limited seats, it is an instrument to draw merit and works as a filtering mechanism by identifying meritorious students