When are formal assessments typically conducted?

Formal assessments are typically conducted during or after the instructional unit because their primary purpose is to evaluate student understanding and mastery of the material covered. These assessments provide a structured opportunity for teachers to measure student performance against specific learning objectives and standards, allowing for a clear analysis of what students have learned.

Conducting formal assessments at this stage helps educators identify areas where students may be struggling, which can inform future instruction and intervention strategies. This timing promotes a responsive approach to teaching, as it enables educators to adjust their methods based on the results of the assessments, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

While assessments can occur before instruction (such as pre-assessments) or throughout an instructional unit (like formative assessments), their formalized nature is most effectively utilized post-instruction, capturing data on student achievement and understanding of the entire instructional experience.