What is the purpose of formative assessment in education?

Formative assessment is designed primarily to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback to both students and instructors. This type of assessment occurs during the learning process rather than at the end, which allows educators to gauge how well students are grasping the material. By continuously assessing student understanding, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

This ongoing feedback is crucial for facilitating student growth and improving educational outcomes, as it encourages students to reflect on their learning and engages them in the process. Regular formative assessments can take various forms, such as quizzes, discussions, or assignments, and they are meant to inform instruction rather than serve as a final judgment of a student's performance.

In contrast to determining final grades or categorizing abilities, formative assessments focus on the progress and developmental needs of each learner, making them a vital tool for effective teaching and learning.