Which assessment identifies learning difficulties before instruction begins

Diagnostic assessment is a crucial type of evaluation conducted before instruction begins. Its primary goal is to identify students' existing knowledge, skills, and any potential learning difficulties or misconceptions they might have regarding a specific topic or subject area. By pinpointing these strengths and weaknesses early on, educators can tailor their teaching strategies, differentiate instruction, and provide targeted support to meet individual student needs effectively. This proactive approach helps prevent learning gaps from widening and ensures that instruction is appropriately scaffolded. Unlike formative assessment, which monitors learning during instruction, or summative assessment, which evaluates learning at the end, diagnostic assessment serves as a foundational step, informing instructional planning and ensuring that students are adequately prepared for new material. It's about understanding where students are starting from to guide them more effectively.