What is the purpose of formative assessment?

The purpose of formative assessment is to obtain feedback that informs instructional improvements. Formative assessments are conducted during the learning process, allowing educators to gauge students' understanding and skills as they progress. This ongoing assessment serves as a tool for teachers to identify which concepts need to be reinforced and how to adjust their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students.

By utilizing formative assessments, educators can make timely adjustments to their lessons, provide targeted support to individual students or groups, and foster an environment that encourages growth and mastery of content. The focus is on enhancing learning and development, rather than solely measuring performance or assigning grades. This approach ensures that instruction is responsive to students' evolving understanding, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes.