What is the primary purpose of formative assessment?

• A. To evaluate final outcomes of a program
• B. To assess students' prior knowledge
• C. To guide the development or improvement of a program
• D. To measure standardized test scores

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of formative assessment is to guide the development or improvement of a program. Formative assessments are conducted during a learning process rather than at the end, enabling educators to gather feedback about students’ understanding and skills as they progress. This information is essential for making real-time adjustments to teaching strategies and curricular materials, ensuring that instruction meets the learners' needs effectively. The continuous nature of formative assessment helps in identifying what students are mastering and where they may need additional support, thus fostering a more personalized and effective learning environment.