What is the primary purpose of formative assessment in education?

The primary purpose of formative assessment in education is to gauge student understanding during instruction. This type of assessment is conducted throughout the learning process and provides immediate feedback to both teachers and students. It allows educators to identify areas where students are struggling or excelling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By focusing on the ongoing development of student skills and knowledge, formative assessment supports a more personalized learning experience, fostering an environment where students can improve their understanding and performance before they are graded or evaluated summatively.

This approach contrasts with assessments that are meant to assign grades, evaluate retention over time, or determine eligibility for advanced courses, which are more often summative in nature and occur after instruction has been completed. Formative assessments aim to enrich the learning experience in real-time, making them essential for effective teaching and learning.