What is the purpose of formative assessment?

The purpose of formative assessment is to check understanding and guide teaching. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process, allowing educators to gather feedback on student comprehension and performance. By actively monitoring students' understanding in real-time, teachers can adjust their instructional strategies to better address students’ needs. This ongoing assessment helps identify areas where students are struggling, enabling timely interventions and support, which ultimately enhances the learning experience.

Formative assessment is characterized by its focus on improvement rather than final evaluation, distinguishing it from assessments designed to provide a conclusive grade or measure long-term progress. Whereas some assessments may prepare students for high-stakes tests, formative assessments prioritize immediate feedback to foster learning and development.