Which type of assessment is used primarily for ongoing improvement rather than final evaluation?

Formative assessment is designed specifically for ongoing improvement in knowledge and skills. This type of assessment is typically administered during the learning process rather than at the end of an instructional unit. Its primary purpose is to gather feedback that can inform both the learner and the instructor about how well the learning objectives are being met.

For example, formative assessments can include quizzes, reflections, peer evaluations, or observations. They help identify areas that need further development, allowing adjustments to be made in teaching strategies or learning practices before a final evaluation occurs.

In contrast, summative assessments are focused on measuring learning outcomes at the end of a course or unit, aiming to evaluate what a student has learned. Norm-referenced assessments compare an individual's performance against a group, while criterion-referenced assessments measure a student's performance against a set standard. None of these are centered on ongoing improvement during the learning process, further highlighting why formative assessment is the correct choice in this context.