What evaluation method allows teachers to adapt instruction based on student understanding?

Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning and understanding during the instructional process. This method provides ongoing feedback that helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. It often includes techniques such as quizzes, class discussions, observations, or informal assessments that occur throughout the learning process.

The primary goal of formative assessment is to improve student learning, not just to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching after a unit is completed. By utilizing formative assessments, educators can tailor their instruction to meet the needs of each student, addressing misconceptions as they arise and reinforcing concepts that may need further clarification.

Unlike summative assessment, which occurs at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning, or norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments, which are more about grading or comparing student performance against set standards or other students, formative assessment focuses on the learning process itself. This adaptability based on real-time student feedback is what makes formative assessment uniquely effective in tailoring instruction to enhance student outcomes.