What kind of assessment is formative assessment?

Formative assessment is primarily designed to inform instruction by providing ongoing feedback about student learning during the educational process. This type of assessment is typically conducted throughout the instruction rather than at the end of a learning unit or module. By gathering information on students' understanding and skills, educators can adjust their teaching strategies, address individual learning needs, and enhance overall learning outcomes.

This dynamic process allows for real-time insights into student progress and identifies areas that may require additional focus or different teaching techniques. It creates a responsive learning environment where both teachers and students can engage in continuous improvement. Therefore, recognizing formative assessment as a tool for informing instruction is fundamental to effective teaching practices.