What is the focus of formative assessment?

Formative assessment is primarily aimed at providing ongoing feedback that can inform instruction and enhance student learning. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process rather than at the end, allowing educators to gauge students' understanding and skills as they progress. The information gathered helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and allows for timely interventions to support their learning.

Since formative assessments are not focused solely on assigning grades, they encourage a more holistic view of student development, emphasizing improvement and growth. Additionally, formative assessments do not rely on standardized testing, which often measures learning in a more rigid fashion, but instead can take many forms, including quizzes, discussions, and observations aimed at enhancing instructional strategies and student outcomes.