In which type of assessment is student learning monitored throughout instruction?

Formative assessment is designed specifically to monitor student learning throughout the instructional process. It serves as a continuous feedback mechanism for both educators and students. This type of assessment informs teachers about their students' understanding, progress, and areas needing improvement while instruction is ongoing. Examples include quizzes, class discussions, observations, and assignments that provide timely insights into student learning.

This ongoing assessment enables instructors to adjust their teaching strategies and provide additional support where necessary, fostering a more responsive and individualized learning environment. This responsiveness helps to enhance student engagement and comprehension as the course progresses. In contrast, summative assessments typically evaluate learning after a unit or course has concluded, standardized assessments measure student learning against a uniform standard, and diagnostic assessments identify knowledge and skill levels prior to instruction.