What is one of the primary goals of formative assessments?

One of the primary goals of formative assessments is to provide ongoing feedback to improve learning. This type of assessment is designed to give both teachers and students timely insights into understanding and progress during the learning process. By continuously monitoring students’ comprehension and skills, educators can identify areas where students struggle and adjust their instructional strategies accordingly. This feedback loop fosters a supportive learning environment and encourages students to take an active role in their education, facilitating growth and development rather than merely measuring performance at a single point in time.

In contrast, final grades focus on the product of learning after the instructional period, preparing students for standardized tests emphasizes test-taking skills rather than individualized learning, and ranking students can create competition rather than promote collaborative growth.