Which of the following best describes the purpose of formative assessments?

The purpose of formative assessments is centered around monitoring student progress and informing instruction, which aligns perfectly with the chosen response. Formative assessments are ongoing processes that occur during the learning experience, allowing educators to gather valuable information about students' understanding and skills as they develop. This feedback helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly to better meet learners' needs.

By using formative assessments, teachers can create a more responsive and adaptive learning environment, enabling them to provide immediate support and interventions. This approach fosters a growth mindset in students, encouraging them to reflect on their learning and progress rather than simply focusing on the final outcomes. The emphasis is on the process of learning rather than categorizing students or assigning grades, which is more characteristic of summative assessments that evaluate students' knowledge at the end of a specific period or unit.