Which evaluation focuses on improvement?

Educational evaluations serve distinct purposes, either assessing overall learning at the end of a period or monitoring progress during a learning process. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective teaching and learning strategies.

The correct answer is Formative. Formative evaluation is conducted during the learning process to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. Its primary goal is to identify areas for improvement and adjust teaching and learning activities to enhance student attainment. Examples include quizzes, observations, and classroom discussions, all designed to inform and improve instruction.

• Summative evaluation occurs at the end of an instructional unit or course to assess overall learning and assign grades, focusing on summarizing achievement rather than ongoing improvement.
• Final is often synonymous with summative evaluation, referring to an assessment at the conclusion of a period, like a final exam, measuring overall achievement.
• Terminal, similar to final, implies an end-point assessment, focusing on what has been learned by the conclusion of a program or course, not continuous improvement.