# Formative Assessment — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/formative-assessment

**In short:** Ongoing assessment during instruction to monitor learning and provide feedback that guides teaching adjustments.
**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.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?**

Formative assessment occurs during learning to guide instruction. Summative assessment evaluates learning after instruction, often for grades or accountability.
**Q: What are examples of formative assessment?**

Exit tickets, questioning, observation, thumbs up/down checks, whiteboard responses, and quick quizzes are common formative assessment strategies.

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Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). Please attribute and link to https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/formative-assessment when citing this definition.