Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is the process of gathering evidence about student learning while instruction is happening, using that evidence to adjust teaching and help students improve. Examples include observing how students solve problems, asking probing questions, reviewing rough drafts, listening to discussions, or having students reflect on their thinking. Formative assessment is fundamentally different from summative assessment (like a final test), which measures overall achievement at the end of instruction. Formative assessment is low-stakes, frequent, and focused on understanding where students are in their learning and what they need next. When teachers use formative assessment well, they can identify misconceptions early and address them, differentiate instruction based on student needs, and help students understand their own progress. Research shows that learning improves when students receive frequent formative feedback and use it to adjust their efforts. Importantly, formative assessment doesn't have to be teacher-driven - students can engage in self-assessment ("Do I understand this?") and peer assessment (giving each other feedback). Digital platforms, including adaptive learning systems, are particularly well-suited to formative assessment because they can gather continuous data about student thinking.