Formative evaluation is specifically conducted during instruction. Its primary purpose is to monitor student learning throughout the teaching and learning process, providing ongoing feedback to both students and instructors. This continuous feedback allows for timely adjustments to teaching methods and learning activities, helping to identify areas where students are struggling and enabling necessary interventions to improve learning outcomes while the course is still in progress.
In contrast, evaluation conducted at the end of course is known as summative evaluation, which assesses overall learning outcomes after instruction is complete. Evaluation before admission is typically diagnostic or placement evaluation, assessing prior knowledge or readiness. Evaluation after certification usually refers to post-program assessments for accreditation or professional licensing, not formative assessment.