The assessment approach that primarily focuses on the process of learning is Formative Assessment. Formative assessment is an ongoing, continuous process designed to monitor student learning during instruction and provide immediate, actionable feedback to both students and teachers.
Its core purpose is to inform and improve teaching and learning as it happens, rather than just evaluating the final outcome. By focusing on the process, formative assessment helps identify students' strengths and weaknesses, understand their learning trajectory, and pinpoint areas where they might be struggling. This allows educators to adjust their instructional strategies, provide targeted support, and guide students toward achieving learning goals.
In contrast:
- Summative assessment evaluates learning at the end of an instructional unit, focusing on the product.
- Placement assessment determines skill levels before instruction.
- Diagnostic assessment identifies specific learning difficulties.
Formative assessment is dynamic and iterative, making it instrumental in fostering continuous improvement and deeper understanding throughout the learning journey.