What is the primary focus of formative assessments?

Formative assessments are primarily designed to inform instructional adjustments. These assessments are conducted during the learning process, allowing instructors to gauge student understanding and skills in real-time. The feedback obtained from formative assessments enables educators to modify their teaching strategies, differentiate instruction, and address individual student needs effectively. This proactive approach aims to enhance student learning and improve instructional methodologies based on ongoing evaluations rather than merely summarizing performance or evaluating final outcomes. The formative nature of these assessments is essential; they are not endpoints but rather tools for continuous improvement throughout the instructional period.