What is the role of formative assessment in the classroom?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in the classroom by providing ongoing feedback that informs instruction. This type of assessment is designed to monitor student learning and progress during the learning process rather than at the end. It allows teachers to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses in real-time, enabling them to adjust their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students.

For instance, through formative assessments such as quizzes, observations, or class discussions, teachers can gather valuable insights into how well students understand a topic. This immediate feedback can guide instructional adjustments, helping ensure that all students are keeping pace with the curriculum. Moreover, formative assessments promote a growth mindset by emphasizing improvement and learning over grades, helping students to understand their own learning processes and areas for growth.