What is the main benefit of formative assessment in education?

The main benefit of formative assessment in education is that it provides ongoing feedback to improve learning. This type of assessment is designed to monitor student learning in real-time, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and to adjust their teaching methods accordingly. It helps teachers to tailor their instruction based on the needs of their students, fostering a more supportive learning environment.

Formative assessments can take many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or reflective journals, and they are typically conducted during the learning process rather than at the end. This continuous feedback loop allows students to understand their own progress, encourages self-reflection, and engages them actively in their own learning journey. As a result, formative assessment can lead to improved academic outcomes because it helps students to address gaps in knowledge and skills before they can impact overall performance.