What is a primary role of formative assessment in the classroom?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in the classroom by providing ongoing feedback to improve student learning. This type of assessment is designed to monitor student learning throughout the instructional process rather than at the end of a unit, allowing teachers to identify areas where students may need additional support or instruction. By gathering this information in real-time, educators can make informed adjustments to their teaching strategies, tailor their lessons to meet the diverse needs of their learners, and ultimately enhance students' understanding and mastery of the subject matter.

The focus of formative assessment is on the learning process, encouraging dialogue between students and teachers, and fostering an environment where students can reflect on their own understanding and progress. This feedback loop helps create a more dynamic and responsive classroom, where instruction is adaptive and targeted, leading to improved educational outcomes.