What type of assessment is aimed at understanding student learning throughout the course?

Formative assessment is designed specifically to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning. It occurs during the learning process, allowing for adjustments to be made in instruction and student behavior. This approach focuses on understanding how well students are grasping the material as they progress, enabling both educators and students to identify areas needing improvement before they reach the end of the course.

This type of assessment can take various forms, such as quizzes, discussions, assignments, or even informal observations. The primary goal is to provide immediate feedback and support, fostering a better learning environment and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.

In contrast, summative assessments typically evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit or course, often in the form of final exams or projects, and do not provide ongoing feedback. Peer assessment involves students assessing each other’s work, which can contribute to learning but is not primarily focused on understanding individual student progress throughout the course. The option of having no assessment does not align with establishing an understanding of student learning.