Which assessment type is designed to monitor understanding during instruction?

Which assessment type is designed to monitor understanding during instruction?

• A. Summative
• B. Formative
• C. Holistic
• D. Portfolio

Answer: (B)

Formative assessment is designed to monitor understanding during instruction, providing ongoing feedback that helps both you and your teacher see what’s understood and what isn’t while learning is still in progress. This lets instruction be adjusted in real time, with quick checks, questions, or prompts guiding the next steps. Summative assessment is used after instruction to judge mastery, holistic assessment looks at overall quality rather than ongoing monitoring, and a portfolio collects work over time for reflection and demonstration of growth rather than immediate instructional monitoring.

Formative assessment is designed to monitor understanding during instruction, providing ongoing feedback that helps both you and your teacher see what’s understood and what isn’t while learning is still in progress. This lets instruction be adjusted in real time, with quick checks, questions, or prompts guiding the next steps. Summative assessment is used after instruction to judge mastery, holistic assessment looks at overall quality rather than ongoing monitoring, and a portfolio collects work over time for reflection and demonstration of growth rather than immediate instructional monitoring.