What is the primary function of formative assessments?

The primary function of formative assessments is to inform instruction and provide feedback to students during the learning process. These assessments are designed to evaluate student learning as it occurs, rather than at the end of a unit or course. This ongoing evaluation helps educators identify areas where students may struggle, allowing them to adjust their teaching methods accordingly and provide targeted support tailored to individual needs.

Formative assessments can take many forms, such as quizzes, class discussions, or observation of student participation. Their key characteristic is that they are used to gauge understanding in real-time, promoting a continuous feedback loop between teachers and students. This process helps students monitor their own progress and understand their learning trajectory, which enhances their overall educational experience and leads to improved learning outcomes.

In contrast to this, other purposes, such as validating final assessments, assigning grades, or standardizing testing methods, do not align with the primary objective of formative assessments. These functions tend to occur at summative evaluation points where the overall performance is measured rather than during the learning process, making the emphasis and purpose of formative assessments distinctly different.