What is primarily promoted by a formative assessment?

A formative assessment is primarily focused on monitoring student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning. This type of assessment occurs during the instructional process and allows for real-time adjustments to lesson plans and teaching strategies based on students' understanding and needs.

By identifying areas where students are struggling, educators can modify their instructional methods, provide additional resources, or offer targeted interventions. This adaptive approach not only fosters better comprehension of the material but also promotes a more effective learning environment tailored to students' needs.

In contrast, end-of-course evaluations typically assess overall course effectiveness rather than allowing for real-time adjustments. Long-term learning outcomes focus on the retention and application of knowledge over time rather than immediate instructional modification. Therefore, the strength of formative assessment lies in its ability to facilitate in-class adjustments, making it essential for responsive teaching practices that enhance student success.