What is a common characteristic of formative assessments?

Formative assessments are designed to provide ongoing feedback during the learning process, which is essential for both teachers and students. This type of assessment serves as a tool to monitor student progress and understanding while instruction is still happening, allowing for adjustments to be made in teaching strategies and learning activities based on the feedback obtained. The emphasis is on constant engagement and improvement, rather than evaluation at the end of a learning cycle.

In contrast, conducting assessments after all instruction has concluded refers to summative assessments, which determine what students have learned at the end of an instructional period. Formative assessments encompass a variety of techniques and do not focus solely on writing skills; they can assess multiple aspects of learning, including comprehension, problem-solving, and skills across different subjects. Additionally, formative assessments often encourage collaboration and discussion among peers, which counters the notion that they require students to work in solitude.