Which evaluation type focuses more on the improvement of a program during its development?

Formative evaluation is specifically designed to assess a program or instructional material during its development and implementation phases, focusing on identifying areas for improvement and making adjustments as necessary. Its primary goal is to gather feedback that can inform ongoing development, ensuring that the program meets the needs of its stakeholders and achieves its intended objectives.

Through formative evaluation, instructors and program developers can collect qualitative and quantitative data on how well the program is functioning, and this data can lead to iterative changes that enhance effectiveness. The emphasis is on continuous improvement rather than final outcomes, making it a crucial tool in educational settings where adaptation is necessary. This type of evaluation often involves techniques such as observations, surveys, and regular feedback sessions.

In contrast, summative evaluation assesses the program's effectiveness after it has been fully implemented, focusing on outcome measurements rather than improvements during the development phase. Outcomes-based evaluation looks at the results of a program in terms of specific outcomes achieved, which differs from the ongoing adjustments characteristic of formative evaluation. Performance evaluation is more focused on assessing individual or team performance against specific criteria or standards rather than the development of the program itself.