What is formative assessment used for?

Formative assessment is primarily utilized to monitor student learning throughout the duration of a lesson. This ongoing evaluation allows educators to gather feedback on how well students are understanding the material as they engage with it. By using various methods, such as quizzes, discussions, or observations during the learning process, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling or excelling. This immediate feedback enables them to adjust their teaching strategies in real-time, facilitating a better learning environment and enhancing student comprehension.

The focus of formative assessment is on ongoing improvement rather than final evaluation, making it distinct from other assessment types that occur at the end of a learning period.