What is formative assessment?

Formative assessment is a continuous process that involves monitoring student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can help improve student learning and guide teaching strategies. It is designed to be integrated into the learning process, allowing educators to identify areas where students are struggling and adjust instruction accordingly. This type of assessment can take various forms, such as quizzes, discussions, or observations, and focuses on enhancing learning and understanding rather than assigning a final grade. By using formative assessments, teachers can inform their teaching practices and support their students' growth throughout the course, rather than simply evaluating what students have learned after instruction has been completed.