A formative assessment is a type of evaluation that happens during the learning process to check for understanding before final exams or grading. Often called an assessment for learning, its main purpose is to provide feedback for improvement as opposed to final scoring. Teachers use formative assessments to identify learning gaps, adjust teaching methods, and encourage improvement before final exams.
Formative assessments help teachers and students be more actively involved in the learning process by assessing progress while it's happening, not just at the end. They demonstrate what students understand in real-time so teachers can remediate and adjust lessons to better reach learners. Other benefits to formative assessments include:
Reaches struggling students better
Guides teaching decisions
Enhances engagement
Reduces test anxiety
Targets learning
Formative assessments are low-stakes and can support learners with reduced pressure.
Education: Educators use formative assessments to check for understanding on practice quizzes, to draft essays, complete exit tickets, or for homework checks.
Businesses: Companies use formative assessments to monitor employee engagement for training, knowledge checks, performance check-ins, interactive learning modules, and scenario-based assessments.
Content Creation: Creators utilize formative assessments for quiz questions in online courses, live Q&A polls, and membership progress checks.