What does giving a "surprise quiz" without recording grades represent?

Giving a "surprise quiz" without recording grades represents an informal evaluation. Informal evaluations are typically low stakes and are often used to gauge students' understanding of material without the pressure of graded outcomes. This approach allows instructors to gather insights into students’ grasp of the content in a more relaxed environment.

Informal assessments like surprise quizzes can be beneficial for both instructors and students as they provide immediate feedback and opportunities for learning and adjustment without the anxiety associated with formal graded assessments. This enables educators to adapt their teaching strategies based on students' performance and comprehension levels.

In contrast, summative evaluations are used to assess students’ learning at the end of an instructional unit and typically involve high-stakes grading. Formal evaluations usually have specific criteria and structured formats that contribute to a student's final grade, while stating that an activity is "not a form of evaluation" would overlook its utility in understanding student engagement and learning in real-time.