What is a primary goal of formative assessment?

The primary goal of formative assessment is to provide ongoing feedback to both students and teachers throughout the learning process. This type of assessment focuses on monitoring student understanding and progress, allowing educators to identify areas where students may need additional support or reinforcement. By offering regular feedback, formative assessments can guide instructional decisions and help tailor teaching methods to meet students' individual needs.

In contrast, evaluating final grades is typically associated with summative assessments, which occur after a period of instruction to determine what students have learned overall. Comparing students is generally not the intention of formative assessments, as they are more concerned with individual growth rather than ranking or competition among peers. While preparing students for standardized tests can be an outcome of various educational practices, it is not the primary focus of formative assessments, which aim to improve learning and understanding in real-time.