National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

In the context of educational assessments, what does the term 'formative assessment' refer to?

1. Assessment conducted after instruction

2. Assessment that evaluates student learning during instruction

3. Assessment for assigning final grades

4. Assessment designed solely for administrative purposes

The correct answer is: Assessment that evaluates student learning during instruction

The term 'formative assessment' refers specifically to assessments that are conducted during the instructional process. These assessments are meant to provide ongoing feedback to both teachers and students, enabling them to identify strengths and areas for improvement while the learning is still taking place. The primary goal of formative assessments is to enhance learning and inform teaching practices rather than to assign final grades or make administrative decisions. This approach allows educators to adjust their teaching strategies based on the data gathered from these assessments, ensuring that learning objectives are being met and that students are adequately prepared before any summative assessments—those that occur after instruction and are typically used for grading—are administered. By focusing on the learning process rather than just the end results, formative assessments play a crucial role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement in educational settings.