What is the main purpose of formative assessment?

Formative assessment primarily serves the purpose of monitoring student learning and providing ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to enhance their teaching strategies and improve student performance. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process rather than at the end, allowing educators to gauge how well students are grasping the material as instruction continues.

By collecting qualitative or quantitative data through formative assessments—such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or projects—teachers can identify students' strengths and areas needing improvement. This real-time feedback enables educators to adjust their lesson plans, provide targeted support, and create a more responsive learning environment tailored to their students' needs.

In contrast, assigning final grades falls under summative assessment, which evaluates cumulative knowledge typically at the end of an instructional period. Comparing student progress with national standards is also a broader evaluative measure rather than an immediate feedback tool. Assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum is more aligned with program evaluation, analyzing overall teaching effectiveness instead of focusing on individual student learning. Thus, the core function of formative assessments is to actively inform and enhance the ongoing educational process.