Formative assessment is ongoing evaluation during instruction designed to monitor student learning and provide feedback that shapes teaching. Unlike summative assessment that evaluates learning after instruction, formative assessment occurs during learning to improve outcomes.
Formative Assessment Methods
Common strategies include exit tickets, questioning techniques, observation, student self-assessment, peer assessment, quick checks, and learning journals. Effective formative assessment is frequent, provides immediate feedback, and guides instructional adjustments.
Benefits
Research strongly supports formative assessment for improving achievement. It helps teachers identify misconceptions, adjust pacing, differentiate instruction, and target reteaching. Students benefit from clear feedback on progress.