FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What method is often used to assess students’ progress during a lesson, as opposed to after?

1. Summative assessment

2. Diagnostic assessment

3. Formative assessment

4. Authentic assessment

The correct answer is: Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a key method used to assess students' progress during a lesson by gathering feedback on students' understanding and skills as the learning process unfolds. This approach includes various techniques such as questioning, discussions, observations, and quick checks for understanding aimed at identifying learning gaps and adjusting instruction accordingly. The purpose of formative assessment is to inform both teachers and students about how well learning objectives are being met in real-time, allowing for immediate interventions and support. This ongoing assessment helps educators tailor their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students and enhance their learning experience. In contrast, summative assessment is typically conducted at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning, and diagnostic assessment is performed before instruction begins to identify students' strengths and weaknesses. Authentic assessment, while also valuable, focuses on evaluating students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Thus, formative assessment stands out for its role in providing continuous feedback and adjusting teaching methods during the learning process.