formatív

Formatív refers to a type of assessment that is conducted during the learning process. Its primary purpose is to gather information about student learning that can be used to improve ongoing instruction and to guide future learning activities. Unlike summative assessment, which typically occurs at the end of a unit or course to evaluate overall achievement, formative assessment is embedded within the teaching and learning cycle.

The key characteristic of formative assessment is its diagnostic and developmental nature. Teachers use the information gained from formative assessments to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, understand their progress towards learning goals, and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. Students also benefit from formative assessment as it provides them with feedback on their performance, helping them understand what they need to do to improve.

Examples of formative assessment techniques include classroom questioning, observation, student self-assessment, peer assessment, and short quizzes or exit tickets. The emphasis is on providing timely and specific feedback that is actionable for both the teacher and the student. The goal is not to assign a grade, but rather to inform instruction and support student learning in real-time. This continuous loop of assessment, feedback, and adjustment is central to the concept of formative assessment.