ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Which type of assessment is designed to inform future instruction?

1. Summative assessment

2. Formative assessment

3. Diagnostic assessment

4. Performance assessment

The correct answer is: Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a type of assessment specifically aimed at monitoring student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and help students enhance their learning. These assessments occur during the learning process and typically include quizzes, discussions, observations, and other interactive activities. The core purpose is to gather insights into student understanding and learning needs, allowing educators to make informed adjustments to instruction in real-time. By focusing on the immediate needs of students, formative assessments facilitate an adaptive learning environment, promoting a more personalized approach to education. This continuous feedback loop helps in identifying instructional strengths and areas that may need reinforcement, making it invaluable for effective teaching practices.