What positive effect does formative assessment have on student learning?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning primarily through the provision of ongoing feedback. This type of assessment is designed to be a continuous process, allowing educators to evaluate student progress and understanding in real-time. As students receive consistent feedback on their performance and learning, they are better equipped to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

This immediate feedback loop encourages students to engage more deeply with the material, facilitates personalized learning opportunities, and helps them take ownership of their educational journey. By making adjustments based on the information gathered through formative assessments, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes.

The other options do not accurately describe the impact of formative assessments. Lowered motivation, excessive paperwork for teachers, and limiting the assessment to the end of the year do not reflect the intended purpose and benefits of ongoing assessments in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment.