What is the relationship between assessment and instruction?

The relationship between assessment and instruction is fundamentally centered on the role of assessment in enhancing educational outcomes. When assessment is utilized effectively, it provides essential feedback regarding student understanding, progress, and areas that need improvement. This feedback allows educators to make informed decisions about their instructional strategies, tailoring their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Through ongoing assessments, teachers can identify what concepts students grasp well and which ones might require additional clarification or different instructional approaches. This continuous loop of assessment and instruction fosters a responsive learning environment where instruction is adapted based on real-time data about student learning. Thus, assessment becomes a critical tool to guide and enhance the teaching process, rather than an isolated event disconnected from instruction.