What type of assessment provides feedback during the learning process?

Formative assessment is designed to provide feedback during the learning process, allowing both instructors and learners to identify areas of strength and weakness while instruction is ongoing. This type of assessment focuses on monitoring student learning to enhance understanding and performance through real-time feedback, which can be used to adjust teaching methods and strategies as needed.

Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit, formative assessments occur throughout the educational process. Their goal is not to assign a grade, but rather to foster improvement and comprehension. This makes formative assessments particularly valuable in an instructional context, where ongoing adjustments can lead to better learner outcomes.

Cognitive and external assessments may serve different purposes—cognitive assessments are utilized to understand a learner's thought processes, while external assessments often refer to standardized tests administered outside the classroom environment. These do not provide the same continuous feedback mechanism that formative assessments offer during the learning journey.