FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic of formative assessment?

1. It is conducted at the end of the year

2. It provides immediate feedback

3. It is mainly used for grading

4. It focuses on overall student performance

The correct answer is: It provides immediate feedback

Formative assessment is characterized by its emphasis on providing immediate feedback to both students and educators about the ongoing learning process. This type of assessment is typically conducted during the instructional process, allowing teachers to gauge students' understanding and make instructional adjustments as necessary. The immediate feedback helps students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, facilitating a more personalized and effective learning experience. In contrast to practices such as summative assessments, which are conducted at the end of a unit or year to evaluate overall performance, formative assessments aim to foster learning and development continuously. This approach does not primarily serve grading purposes; instead, it is designed to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, formative assessments focus on specific skills or knowledge rather than an overall evaluation of student performance. This ongoing feedback loop supports a growth mindset among learners, encouraging them to engage with the content actively and reflect on their learning journey.