Which type of assessment measures a learner's progress over time?

Formative assessment is designed specifically to measure a learner's progress over time. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process, allowing educators to monitor student understanding and skills development. By providing ongoing feedback, formative assessments help to identify areas where learners may need additional support, adapt instruction accordingly, and ultimately enhance learning outcomes.

This approach contrasts with other types of assessment. Summative assessments, for instance, evaluate learner performance at the end of an instructional unit or after a certain period, rather than focusing on progress throughout the learning process. Diagnostic assessments aim to identify learners' strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins, helping educators tailor their teaching strategies, but do not measure progress over time. Placement assessments are utilized to determine the appropriate level at which a learner should begin their studies and also do not track development over time.

Therefore, formative assessments are integral to understanding and fostering a student's growth and learning trajectory.