What is formative assessment?

Formative assessment refers to ongoing evaluations conducted during the learning process with the primary aim of monitoring student progress and providing feedback that can inform teaching and learning strategies. This approach allows educators to identify areas where students may struggle and adjust instruction accordingly, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and learning.

By using techniques such as quizzes, peer assessments, and interactive classroom activities, formative assessments help both teachers and students understand how well the material is being grasped. This immediate feedback loop can enhance student engagement and motivation, as learners can see their progress over time and receive guidance on how to improve.

In contrast, the other options describe forms of assessment that are not continuous or developmental in nature. For instance, short quizzes at the end of a course, evaluative assessments conducted after a learning period, and assessments focused solely on final projects are all summative assessments. These are typically used to evaluate and judge overall learning outcomes at the end of an instructional unit, rather than to support ongoing learning and development throughout the educational process.