The Practice of Formative and Summative Assessments in Enhancing Basic Science Teaching and Learning

Authors

  • Mercy Ifunanya Ani Department of Science Education Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State Nigeria Author
  • Abigail Chikaodinaka Obodo Department of Science Education Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State Nigeria Author
  • Nkeiru Catherine Enyi Speech Therapy Department, Faculty of Rehabilitative Health Federal University of Allied Health Sciences Enugu Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66545/zz1ash74

Keywords:

Assessment Strategies, Basic Science, Formative Assessment, Summative Assessment, Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The practice of formative and summative assessments plays a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning in Basic Science Education. Formative assessments, conducted during the learning process, provide valuable feedback to students and teachers; helping to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Summative assessments, on the other hand, evaluate students' overall understanding and academic achievement at the end of an instructional period. The integration of both types of assessments fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, encourages active learning, and improves overall academic performance. This paper aims to explore how formative and summative assessments can be used strategically to improve in Basic Science Education, emphasizing their role in enhancing students' outcomes, engagement, and mastery of scientific principles. However, integrating formative and summative assessments presents several challenges and considerations that educators must navigate to effectively support student learning and achievement.

References

Adebayo, O. A., Adeleke, J. O., & Olanrewaju, M. I. (2023). The role of summative assessment in science education: A review of Nigerian practices. Nigerian Journal of Science Education, 20(1), 98-112.

Adedayo, I. O., Alabi, T. S., & Bamidele, O. A. (2023). The role of formative assessment in enhancing science education in Nigerian secondary schools. Journal of Science Education Research, 18(2), 67-83.

Afolabi, O. S., & Okoye, I. N. (2021). Curriculum reform and summative assessment in Nigerian secondary schools. Journal of Educational policy and Practice, 14(2), 55-68.

Adewale, A. T., Oyedepo, D. A., & Olanrewaju, A. M. (2022). Integrating practical assessments into science education: A strategy for enhancing learning in Nigerian schools. International Journal of Science and Education Policy, 15(4), 234-247

Ani, M. I., Ebuoh Casmir & Obodo, A. C. (2021). Use of assessment practices for teaching and learning in tertiary education in Enugu State, Nigeria. effective Academic Journal of Research and Development (AJORAD), 14(1), 9 -19

Ani, M. I. (2004), assessment practices in integrated science in junior secondary s c h o o l s i n Enugu north LGA of Enugu State. Unpublished Degree Project, Department of Science Education University of Nigeria Nsukka

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 7-74

Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. National Academy Press.

Brookhart, S. M. (2013). How to create and use rubrics for formative assessment and grading. ASCD.

Eze, O. J., Okechukwu, A. L., & Akinwunmi, R. O. (2023). Concept mapping as a formative assessment tool in Nigerian secondary schools. Journal of Educational Assessment, 10(3), 93-104.

Eze, C. O., Onwuka, O. M., & Uche, E. I. (2022). Project-based assessment in Nigerian science education: Promoting practical learning. International Journal of Educational Research, 19(4), 121-134.

Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81-112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487

Harlen, W. (2007). The quality of learning: Assessment alternatives for primary education. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 14(3), 205-224.

Ibrahim, Y. T., Mohammed, S. I., & Sulaimon, A. O. (2022). Written exams in Nigerian science education: Analyzing the effectiveness and limitations. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 10(1), 43-56.

Musa, A. Y., & Yusuf, M. O. (2021). The impact of summative assessment focus in Nigerian schools on students' learning in science education. African Journal of Educational Research, 19(1), 45-60

Nicol, D. J., & Macfarlane-Dick, D. (2006). Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: A model and seven principles of good feedback practice. Studies in Higher Education, 31(2), 199-218.

Nwachukwu, C. O., & Olabode, T. O. (2021). Peer and self-assessment in Nigerian science classrooms: Promoting collaborative learning. Journal of Educational Psychology and Assessment, 14(2), 201-218.

Obasi, T. O., & Mbachu, J. C. (2023). Challenges of formative assessment implementation in Nigerian schools: Teacher perspectives. Journal of Educational Development and Policy, 12(1), 55-67

Ogunyemi, A. J., Adeyemi, A. T., & Olatunji, O. S. (2022). Examination malpractice and its effects on science education in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Educational Integrity, 18(2), 67-83.

Oluwaseun, A. S., & Uche, M. K. (2021). The role of practical assessments in enhancing science education in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Science and Education, 16(3), 125-139.

Okoli, O. A., & Iwuanyanwu, N. N. (2022). The role of quizzes in formative assessment for Nigerian secondary school students. International Journal of Educational Assessment, 11(1), 78-91

Popham, W. J. (2017). Classroom assessment: What teachers need to know. Pearson.

Sadler, D. R. (1989). Formative assessment and the design of instructional systems. Instructional Science, 18(2), 119-144.

Stiggins, R. J. (2005). Assessment for learning: An essential foundation. Phi Delta Kappan, 87(4), 324-328.

Wiliam, D. (2011). Embedded formative assessment. Solution Tree Press

Downloads

Published

2025-06-03

How to Cite

The Practice of Formative and Summative Assessments in Enhancing Basic Science Teaching and Learning. (2025). Journal of Innovations in Educational Assessment, 7(2), 21-37. https://doi.org/10.66545/zz1ash74

Similar Articles

1-10 of 26

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.