Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Formative vs. Summative Assessments Throughout the week I give my students Formative assessments to test their understanding of the skill being taught. Once I give a Summative assessment they fail or score lower than they do on their formative assessments. I have even tried to include some of the same questions on my summative assessments that I used on my formative assessments and they still fail. What can I do to ensure overall success? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) The word TEST seems to frighten and discourage most students. Give them a quick pep talk before the assessment to motivate them. Remind them that they know the materials on the assessment and that they have seen the material on prior assessments. You could also possibly add an incentive for students who score a passing grade.