Which method is typically employed in effective formative assessments?

Effective formative assessments emphasize ongoing feedback for adjustment, which plays a critical role in the learning process. This method allows educators to continuously evaluate student understanding and progress, making it possible to identify areas where students may be struggling. By providing timely feedback, teachers can adjust their instruction based on real-time data, which enhances student learning experiences and outcomes.

Ongoing feedback is characterized by frequent check-ins, observations, formative quizzes, and discussions that guide instructional strategies and help students understand their learning journey. This approach fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to reflect on their own learning and make necessary adjustments.

In contrast, options such as final tests or end-of-term reviews focus solely on assessing what students have learned at the conclusion of a unit or course. These methods do not provide the timely feedback that formative assessments are designed to offer, limiting opportunities for students to improve their understanding while they are still learning. Similarly, standardized tests offer a comparison to a norm but do not provide the individual feedback that students and teachers need to adjust learning strategies effectively. Thus, the emphasis on ongoing feedback in formative assessments positions it as a cornerstone of effective educational practice.