What is the role of formative assessment in education?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in education by monitoring student learning and providing ongoing feedback throughout the learning process. This type of assessment is used by educators to gauge students' understanding and skills while instruction is still underway, rather than at the end of a learning period. By continuously assessing student progress, teachers can identify areas where students may struggle and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. This feedback loop enables students to understand their strengths and weaknesses in real time, fostering a more personalized learning experience and enhancing overall student achievement.

Additionally, formative assessments can take many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, and informal assessments, which facilitate immediate insights into student comprehension. This ongoing interaction helps to guide both teaching and learning, making it an essential component of effective pedagogy.