What is the main purpose of formative assessments in the classroom?

The primary purpose of formative assessments in the classroom is to offer real-time insights into student understanding. These assessments are designed to monitor student learning progress and gauge their comprehension of the material during the learning process. By collecting this data, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling, adjust their instructional strategies accordingly, and provide immediate feedback that helps facilitate student growth.

Formative assessments are typically low-stakes and aimed at informing both teachers and students about where they stand in their understanding, making them an essential tool for enhancing learning outcomes. This focus on ongoing adjustment and improvement is what distinguishes formative assessments from other types, such as summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period.