What is the primary purpose of formative assessment?

The primary purpose of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. This type of assessment is designed to inform both teachers and students about the learning process while it is happening, allowing for adjustments to instruction and support for individual student needs. By using formative assessments, educators can gain insight into students' strengths and areas for improvement, which can guide instructional strategies and help facilitate learning.

Formative assessments are often informal and can take many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or interactive activities, rather than being a final measure of achievement. The emphasis on continuous feedback enables students to recognize their progress and set goals for their learning journey. This process supports an adaptive learning environment where instruction can be refined based on the learner's needs.

In contrast, other types of assessments serve different purposes. For example, summative assessments aim to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit and are typically used for assigning final grades, while comparisons with national standards usually involve summative assessments. Furthermore, formative assessments do not eliminate the need for summative evaluations; rather, they complement each other in a comprehensive assessment strategy.