What is an essential component of formative assessment in the classroom?

Feedback on student performance is an essential component of formative assessment because it allows teachers to understand how students are progressing in their learning and where they may need additional support or instruction. Formative assessments are designed to be ongoing and reflective, providing immediate insights into student understanding. This feedback can be verbal or written and should be specific, constructive, and timely, helping students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This iterative process fosters a growth mindset, encourages student self-assessment, and guides instructional decisions to enhance learning outcomes.

In contrast, end-of-term exams and standardized testing results serve more as summative assessments, evaluating overall achievement after instruction has occurred. Grading per assignment, while important, often focuses on the final outcome rather than the learning process, which is central to formative assessment.