What is the significance of using formative assessments during instruction?

Using formative assessments during instruction is significant because they serve as a valuable tool for guiding teaching decisions and making adjustments to meet the diverse needs of students. Formative assessments are typically conducted throughout the learning process and provide immediate feedback on student understanding, enabling educators to identify areas where students may be struggling or excelling. This real-time data allows teachers to modify their instructional strategies, differentiate lessons, and implement targeted interventions to ensure that all learners are progressing.

Unlike final assessments that aim to evaluate students' cumulative knowledge and assign grades, formative assessments focus on monitoring and improving student learning as it happens. They encourage a responsive and adaptive classroom environment, fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. Thus, the primary purpose of formative assessments is not just to test knowledge retention or act as a review tool but to actively engage students in their learning and support their academic success.