Which of the following best defines formative assessment?

Formative assessment is best defined as a method for monitoring student learning to provide ongoing feedback. This type of assessment occurs during the instructional process, allowing educators to gauge students' understanding, skills, and needs as they learn. The goal of formative assessment is to inform both teaching and learning, guiding teachers in adapting their instruction to support student growth.

By utilizing tools such as quizzes, observations, discussions, and informal assessments, educators can identify areas where students may be struggling and make necessary adjustments to help them improve. This feedback loop is critical in enhancing student learning outcomes and supports a more personalized educational experience, enabling students to take ownership of their learning as they receive timely insights into their progress.

In contrast, assessments that evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit are considered summative assessments, which focus on measuring what students have learned after the instruction has concluded. Formative assessments are not designed to rank or grade students, nor do they lack the ability to show improvement; instead, they actively support student development by providing constructive feedback throughout the learning process.