Which term refers to assessments conducted to verify comprehension during learning?

Formative assessments are specifically designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning. These assessments are conducted during the learning process, allowing educators to gauge comprehension and understanding at various stages of instruction. They help identify areas where students may be struggling and enable timely interventions.

Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate learning at the end of an instructional period, formative assessments focus on the progression of learning and support continuous improvement. Diagnostic assessments, on the other hand, aim to uncover prior knowledge or skill levels before instruction has commenced. Standardized tests typically compare a student's performance against a set standard or the performance of other students rather than providing feedback on individual learning progress. Thus, formative assessments are crucial for verifying comprehension during the learning process and fostering an effective educational environment.