Summative feedback is more than grading. If done properly, summative feedback ensures students understanding what went well, and what they might improve on. Unlike formative feedback that is given during the project and learning, summative feedback is realistic and retrospective. Summative feedback looks at both the finished product and the learning journey. It can highlight how students responded to earlier formative feedback. This can show the importance of the creative process and the final project. Providing summative feedback in this manner assesses content knowledge and the development of higher order thinking skills such as creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
How to give Summative Feedback:
When giving summative feedback it is important to build on student strengths. Students need to know what they do well. Areas where improvements can be made are also noted so students can carry that feedback into new projects. Students should be given the opportunity to see what other students have done. This gives students the chance to compare their work and see opportunities for improvement.
Rubrics
Rubrics are a tool often used when giving summative feedback. Rubrics provide clear expectations and give specific feedback. There are single point rubrics as well as mastery level rubrics. Mastery level rubrics show what higher and lower orders of thinking look like. They can also be adapted to show what a student does well and how they can improve.