There exist relatively little emphasis on assessment in the preparation and professional development of teachers. In light of this and current demands for comprehensive evaluation amidst contemporary theories of learning and motivation, this article attempts to establish the rationale for the use of formative and summative assessment in educational enterprise. The paper delved into the concept and typology of assessment, validity, reliability and manageability of assessment, purposes and uses of assessment and the relationship between formative and summative assessment. The paper concludes that both formative and summative assessments are necessary tools in every educational system because through them administrative decisions such as ability streaming, selection and certification are taken. Keywords: formative assessment, summative assessment, appraisal, evaluation
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