Which characteristic defines formative assessment?

Formative assessment is characterized primarily by its ability to provide feedback that informs instruction. This type of assessment is integrated into the learning process and occurs while teaching is taking place. Its main purpose is to guide both teachers and students by identifying areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The ongoing feedback gained from formative assessments helps educators modify their teaching strategies and supports students in enhancing their learning experiences, fostering a more personalized approach to education.

In contrast, assessments conducted at the end of a unit are generally classified as summative assessments, which evaluate student learning after instructional periods. Those used primarily for grading purposes aim to quantify student performance rather than to inform educational practices and improve learning. Additionally, focusing solely on student memorization ability does not align with the broader goal of formative assessments, which is to promote understanding and skill development through continuous evaluation and feedback.