Why formative assessment is important

• the number of opportunities available for formative assessment and feedback is an important variable in non-completion by students in the early years of study even though a direct causal connection has been difficult to prove (Yorke cited in Nicol, 2007).
• Where students are uncertain about their ability to succeed, formative assessment and feedback is of particular significance (Yorke and Longden cited in Nicol, 2007).
• Increased emphasis on summative assessment at the expense of formative assessment results in an excessive concentration by students on getting good marks and playing the assessment game rather than on focusing their effort on deep and lasting learning. These changes have also a subsequent negative impact on the students’ sense of self and on their motivation and self-confidence (Nicol, 2007).

Copied from
Nicol, D. (2007). 'Laying a foundation for lifelong learning: case studies of technology-supported assessment in large first year classes'. British Journal of Educational Technology. 38.4, pp. 668-678.