Assessments OF Learning & Assessments FOR Learning

Are assessments and evaluations the same? I have heard this question so many times that I am starting to have dreams about them. While different they work together.

I recently found this Slideshow on assessments and thought it would help some of you out as well.

Formative Assessment vs. Summative Assessment from jcheek2008

I love the quote "When the cook tastes the soup, that is formative assessment; when the customer tastes the soup, that's summative assessment." ~ Paul Black. This helped me really cement the ideas of each one in my mind.

I use many different types of assessments and evaluations in my classroom. I believe we all do as teachers. My favorites are observation and portfolios. What are your favorite methods?