Which type of assessment method helps teachers understand a student's ongoing progress?

Formative assessment is designed to monitor students' ongoing learning and provide feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and students to enhance their learning. This type of assessment occurs during the learning process rather than at the end, allowing educators to gauge students' understanding and skills as they develop. Through methods such as quizzes, classroom discussions, and observations, teachers can identify areas where students are excelling or struggling, enabling timely interventions and support tailored to individual needs.

In contrast, summative assessment evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit or period, measuring what students have retained and demonstrating overall proficiency. Diagnostic assessment is utilized before instruction to evaluate students' prior knowledge and determine their readiness for new learning, which differs from tracking progress during the learning process. Norm-referenced assessment compares a student's performance against a larger group, often to categorize students rather than to provide immediate feedback for teaching adjustments. Thus, formative assessment specifically aligns with the goal of understanding and supporting ongoing student progress.