What are the two main categories of assessment?

The two main categories of assessment are generally recognized as informal and formal. Informal assessments refer to unstructured methods of evaluating student performance, which can include observations, discussions, or anecdotal records. These assessments allow teachers to gain insights into students' understanding and learning progress in a more flexible and ongoing manner.

On the other hand, formal assessments are structured and systematic in nature. They often involve standardized tests, quizzes, or other assessments that are administered under controlled conditions. Formal assessments provide measurable data regarding student performance against specific standards or benchmarks.

Understanding the distinction between these two categories is crucial for educators, as it influences the choice of assessment strategies that align with learning objectives and provides a more comprehensive view of student progress. The other categories like summative and formative focus on when the assessment takes place in the learning cycle, while standardized versus teacher-developed emphasizes the nature of the assessment tools, rather than their overall categorization.