What type of assessment is primarily used to monitor student learning and provide feedback in real time?

Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning and provide real-time feedback during the educational process. This type of assessment occurs throughout the learning experience, allowing instructors to gauge current understanding, identify areas of improvement, and adjust teaching methods accordingly. By emphasizing ongoing feedback, formative assessment empowers both students and teachers to stay informed about learning progress and make timely interventions to enhance comprehension and skill mastery.

This approach contrasts with other forms of assessment. Norm-referenced assessments typically compare a student's performance against a wider population, rather than focusing on individual progress. Summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning and are often used for final grading, providing less opportunity for real-time adjustments in teaching. Diagnostic assessments primarily aim to identify students' existing knowledge and skills before instruction begins, rather than monitoring progress during the learning process. Thus, the distinct characteristic of formative assessment lies in its continuous nature, which is essential for facilitating immediate feedback and iterative learning.