How can formative assessment best be described?

Formative assessment is best described as a process that involves assessing students' understanding and progress toward achieving specific learning outcomes during the learning experience rather than at the end. Its primary goal is to provide ongoing feedback that can guide teaching and help students identify areas that need improvement.

This approach allows educators to tweak instruction based on students' needs, thereby supporting their learning journey in real-time. By focusing on progress, formative assessments enable teachers to adjust their methodologies and provide necessary interventions, ensuring that students remain on track to meet educational goals. This continuous nature of assessment contrasts sharply with measures taken at the end of a grading period or methods used solely for grading purposes, as formative assessment is about development rather than just evaluation.