What is the purpose of ongoing evaluations that monitor student learning?

Ongoing evaluations that monitor student learning are primarily categorized as formative assessments. The key purpose of formative assessments is to provide feedback during the learning process, allowing educators to understand how well students are grasping the material. This type of assessment is typically conducted throughout the instructional period, rather than at the end, enabling teachers to make real-time adjustments to their teaching strategies and address any areas where students may be struggling.

Formative assessments can take various forms, such as quizzes, group discussions, observational assessments, and even informal check-ins. The focus is on improving student learning and guiding instructional practices, rather than simply measuring achievement at a specific point in time.

In contrast, final assessments serve as a summative measure of learning at the conclusion of a unit or course, academic benchmarks refer to specific standards of performance expected at various stages of education, and standard assessments are often used for broader comparison purposes, rather than continuous monitoring. Therefore, choosing formative assessments aptly captures the essence of ongoing evaluations aimed at enhancing student understanding and progress.