What role does formative assessment play in education?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in education by gathering ongoing feedback that is essential for instructional improvement. It is a process employed by educators to evaluate student understanding and learning progress during the learning process, rather than at the end of an instructional period. This type of assessment provides valuable insights into students' strengths and weaknesses, allowing teachers to adjust their teaching strategies in real-time to better meet the needs of their students.

By focusing on continuous feedback, formative assessments help in identifying areas where students may be struggling, enabling personalized instruction that can foster deeper understanding. This ongoing evaluation can include various methods, such as quizzes, class discussions, observations, and peer assessments, ensuring that instruction remains responsive to student needs and learning objectives.