What is the main goal of formative assessments?

The primary goal of formative assessments is to provide ongoing feedback for improvement. These assessments are conducted during the learning process rather than at the end of a unit or course. They are aimed at monitoring student learning and progress with the purpose of identifying areas where students may be struggling.

By offering timely and specific feedback, formative assessments help educators adjust their teaching methods and strategies to better meet the needs of their students. This continuous feedback loop fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to understand their learning progress and areas for further development. Such assessments can take various forms, including quizzes, discussions, observations, and peer reviews, which all contribute to a supportive learning environment where students are actively engaged in their educational journey.

In contrast, some options focus on finality or measurement rather than the iterative process of learning. Formative assessments distinctly emphasize improvement and adaptability over definitive judgments of student performance.