What is a formative assessment?

A formative assessment is designed to be an ongoing evaluation that occurs during the learning process. Its primary purpose is to gather feedback that can inform teaching strategies and support student learning. Unlike summative assessments, which measure understanding at the end of an instructional period, formative assessments provide insights that help educators adjust their approaches to better meet the needs of their students. This type of assessment can take many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, or informal observations, enabling teachers to identify areas where students may struggle and to offer timely, targeted support.

By focusing on the learning process, formative assessments encourage a continuous cycle of improvement, both for students and teachers. This approach fosters a growth mindset among learners, as they can see their progress and understand that the goal is to develop skills and knowledge over time rather than merely achieving a certain grade.