What is a critical aspect of formative assessment?

A critical aspect of formative assessment is that it provides feedback to enhance student learning during instruction. This type of assessment is designed to monitor student learning and offer ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning processes. Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate learning at the end of an instructional period, formative assessments occur continuously throughout the learning process.

The feedback derived from formative assessments helps identify areas where students may be struggling, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to teaching strategies. This ongoing dialogue between students and teachers fosters an environment that encourages growth and mastery of the subject matter.

Formative assessment emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge rather than merely the attainment of grades. It is more focused on how to improve and assist learners in meeting objectives, making it a powerful tool for learning enhancement.