What is the significance of 'formative assessment' in instruction?

The significance of formative assessment in instruction lies in its ability to provide ongoing feedback, which is crucial for improving student learning. This type of assessment allows educators to gauge how well students understand the material throughout the learning process, rather than waiting until the end of a unit or course. By incorporating formative assessments regularly, instructors can identify areas where students struggle and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This real-time feedback loop enables both teachers and students to make necessary changes to enhance learning outcomes.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of formative assessment. For instance, emphasizing grading or focusing solely on end-of-unit evaluations detracts from the continuous improvement aspect that formative assessment is designed to support. Additionally, while teacher evaluations of their teaching are important, formative assessment is primarily concerned with student learning and development rather than self-evaluation by the educator.