Which assessment type is ongoing and provides feedback during learning?

Formative assessment is a type of assessment that is characterized by its ongoing nature and focus on providing feedback during the learning process. It is intended to gauge student understanding and skills while they are still actively engaged in learning, allowing instructors to identify areas where students may need additional support or instructional adjustments. This can include methods such as quizzes, discussions, and observations that occur throughout the instructional period.

The significance of formative assessment lies in its ability to enhance learning by guiding teaching strategies. It promotes a continuous feedback loop between educators and students, which is crucial for fostering a growth mindset and improving academic performance. In contrast, assessments such as summative assessments are typically conducted after a learning cycle to evaluate what students have learned, without the capacity for immediate instructional adaptation based on the results. Understanding this distinction underscores the role of formative assessment in education as a tool for ongoing development and improvement.