What is a key characteristic of formative assessments?

Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used to improve both teaching and learning. A key characteristic of formative assessments is their function in guiding instructional decisions during a unit. These assessments occur throughout the learning process, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This can include modifying lesson plans, offering additional support, or changing instructional strategies to better meet the needs of students.

In contrast, assessments that are conducted solely at the end of a course typically fall under summative assessments, which aim to evaluate what students have learned after the instruction has concluded. Additionally, formative assessments are not focused on grading but rather on providing insight into the learning process to enhance student engagement and achievement. Lastly, standardized test formats are generally associated with summative assessments rather than the adaptive, feedback-oriented nature of formative assessments.