Distinguish between formative and summative feedback; provide an optimal method for PT clinical teaching.

• A. Formative feedback is ongoing and aimed at improvement; summative feedback assesses overall performance.
• B. Formative feedback is only at the end.
• C. Summative feedback is ongoing.
• D. Use only numerical grades.

Answer: (A)

Formative feedback is ongoing and aimed at improvement; summative feedback assesses overall performance. In PT clinical teaching, the strongest approach blends real-time, specific input with a final, comprehensive assessment. During patient care, observe and then provide concise, task-focused feedback right after actions or decisions, tying comments to clear learning goals and established PT competencies. Use concrete examples to show what happened, why it matters for patient care, and what to try next, so the learner can adjust practice immediately. Encourage ongoing reflection and goal setting, and make note of progress to guide subsequent supervision sessions. Pair this with a formal end-of-rotation evaluation that summarizes overall performance, highlights strengths and concrete areas for development, and lays out a practical plan to address gaps. This combination supports continuous skill growth while ensuring a definitive summary of competence.

Avoid relying only on end-of-rotation grades or scores, and avoid treating feedback as just a numerical judgment. Formative feedback is not limited to the end; summative feedback alone does not drive day-to-day improvement.