What is formative assessment?

Formative assessment refers to an ongoing process that educators use to evaluate student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson or unit. This method is characterized by its ability to provide continuous feedback to both learners and instructors, allowing for adjustments in teaching strategies and learning plans as needed. By integrating formative assessments into the learning process, teachers can identify areas where students may struggle, offering targeted support to enhance their understanding and skills.

In contrast, end-of-term examinations and final assessments primarily serve to summarize student learning at the end of a course or unit, focusing on the evaluation of overall performance rather than ongoing development. Standardized testing typically assesses all students using the same criteria, which may not accurately reflect individual learning journeys or needs. Therefore, the essence of formative assessments lies in their dynamism and responsiveness during the educational process.