Formative assessments are primarily used to do what during a lesson or unit?

Formative assessments are crucial tools used throughout the educational process, particularly during lessons or units. The primary purpose of these assessments is to gauge students' understanding of the material being taught. By continuously evaluating student comprehension, educators can gather immediate feedback that informs instructional adjustments. This may involve re-teaching concepts, modifying lesson plans, or providing additional support to ensure that all students achieve their learning objectives.

In contrast, assessing final performance typically relates to summative assessments that occur at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning outcomes. Compiling grades for report cards is also associated with summative assessments, where the focus is on documenting overall student achievement rather than continuous learning. Evaluating overall program effectiveness is broader and encompasses multiple factors beyond individual student understanding, including curriculum design and teaching strategies. Formative assessments stand out as tools that directly support and enhance the learning process by responding to students’ needs as they arise.