What type of assessment occurs during the instructional learning process?

Formative assessment is an ongoing process that happens during the instructional learning experience. Its primary purpose is to gather feedback that can be used to improve both teaching and learning as they unfold. This type of assessment allows educators to monitor student progress, identify areas where students are struggling, and adjust instruction accordingly. By incorporating formative assessments—such as quizzes, observations, discussions, and feedback—teachers can provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their understanding and skills, facilitating a more personalized and effective learning environment.

Utilizing formative assessments encourages a continuous dialogue between teachers and students, which is essential for adapting instructional strategies to better meet students' needs. This assessment type contrasts with summative assessment, which evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit. Diagnostic assessment occurs prior to instruction to identify students' existing knowledge and skills, while peer assessment focuses on having students assess each other’s work. Each of these other types of assessments plays a vital role in education, but they do not operate within the same ongoing, adaptive framework as formative assessments.