What is formative assessment?

Formative assessment refers to assessment activities that teachers use to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used to improve teaching and student comprehension. This type of assessment is conducted throughout the learning process and is instrumental in informing instruction. It helps educators understand how well students are grasping concepts and where they may need additional support, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments in teaching strategies. By focusing on the learning journey rather than just the final outcomes, formative assessment aims to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of assessment. The assessment given at the end of a course is categorized as summative assessment, which evaluates students' learning after the instruction has occurred. Grading on standardized tests typically assesses students' abilities based on specific benchmarks rather than guiding instructional practices. Lastly, assessments for college admission are generally evaluative in nature and do not support the ongoing instructional process in the same way formative assessments do.