What is the primary purpose of formative assessment?

The primary purpose of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. This type of assessment is designed to be conducted during the learning process, rather than at the end of an instructional unit. By regularly gathering information about student understanding and progress, educators can identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

Formative assessments can take many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or informal checks for understanding. The key aspect of formative assessment is the feedback loop it creates between the teacher and students, allowing for adjustments in instruction and learning approaches that support student growth and mastery of concepts. This focus on learning and improvement distinguishes formative assessment from summative assessment, which is typically used to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period.

In contrast, assigning grades, creating standardized tests, and evaluating teacher effectiveness do not align with the primary goal of formative assessments, as these activities focus more on accountability and measurement rather than enhancing the learning experience through constructive feedback.