Which of the following represents an effective use of formative assessment?

• A. To administer grades at the end of the term
• B. To evaluate a summative project
• C. To make instructional decisions
• D. To compare student performance with national averages

Answer: (C)

Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. The essence of formative assessment lies in its ability to inform instructional decisions, allowing educators to identify areas where students are struggling or excelling. This ongoing assessment can take various forms, such as quizzes, discussions, observations, or even informal check-ins.

Using formative assessment to make instructional decisions enables teachers to adapt their strategies, focus on specific skills, and tailor their lessons to better meet the needs of their students. This dynamic and responsive approach helps enhance the effectiveness of teaching and promotes a deeper level of learning among students.

In contrast, options that involve administering grades at the end of the term, evaluating a summative project, or comparing student performance with national averages do not align with the purpose of formative assessment. These approaches are more aligned with summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period rather than supporting ongoing learning and instructional adaptations.