Which data gathering technique is best suited for formative evaluations?

Surveys and feedback forms are particularly effective for formative evaluations because they allow for the collection of real-time information on learners' understanding, attitudes, and perceptions during the instructional process. This technique facilitates immediate feedback from participants, enabling instructors to gauge the effectiveness of their teaching strategies, materials, and overall program structure. The information gathered can be easily analyzed to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement, making it conducive to enhancing the learning experience as it unfolds.

In contrast to surveys and feedback forms, standardized testing is typically used for evaluating the overall effectiveness of a program rather than for formative purposes, as it often focuses on measuring outcomes at the end of an instructional period. Interviews and observations, while valuable, tend to be more time-consuming and may not gather as broad a range of data as surveys. Therefore, they may not be as efficient for ongoing formative feedback within a learning environment.