What is the primary purpose of formative assessment in education?

The primary purpose of formative assessment in education is to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. This type of assessment occurs during the learning process rather than at the end, allowing teachers to gauge student understanding in real-time. It serves as a tool for both teachers and students, offering insights into areas where students may be struggling and guiding instructional decisions.

Through formative assessments, educators can adjust their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students, ensuring that all learners can progress at their own pace. This continuous feedback loop helps foster a growth mindset in students, encouraging them to reflect on their learning and make necessary adjustments for improvement. Ultimately, formative assessment aims to enhance learning, rather than to simply quantify performance or evaluate external factors such as teacher effectiveness or student grouping.