Formative evaluation is a continuous and ongoing process that occurs throughout the teaching and learning cycle. Its primary purpose is to monitor student learning, provide immediate and constructive feedback to both students and teachers, and inform instructional adjustments. This type of evaluation helps identify learning gaps early, allowing educators to modify their teaching strategies and provide targeted support, thereby improving student learning outcomes in real-time. It is an integral part of the learning process, not just an end-point assessment.
In contrast, Summative evaluation occurs at the end of a learning period to assess overall achievement and assign grades. Annual evaluation refers to a specific frequency, not inherent continuity. External evaluation is conducted by outside bodies and is not necessarily continuous in the classroom context. Thus, formative evaluation is distinctly continuous.