What is formative assessment?

Formative assessment is a type of evaluation used by educators to monitor student learning progress and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period, formative assessments are conducted during the learning process. They aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in students’ understanding and skills, allowing for adjustments in instruction and providing students with insights into their own learning progress.Common methods of formative assessment include quizzes, class discussions, peer reviews, observations, homework, and informal feedback sessions. The key features of formative assessments are that they are diagnostic, iterative, and designed to promote growth and development in both teaching and learning.