What type of assessment provides continuous feedback during the learning process?

Formative assessment is specifically designed to provide continuous feedback throughout the learning process, allowing both educators and students to identify strengths and weaknesses as learning occurs. This type of assessment is often conducted during instruction rather than at the end of a unit or course. It can take many forms, such as quizzes, oral questioning, peer reviews, or observations, and is used to guide instructional decisions and help students improve their understanding and skills.

In contrast, summative assessment evaluates student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period, measuring the extent to which students have met learning objectives without the ongoing feedback aspect. Diagnostic assessment occurs prior to instruction and aims to determine students' existing knowledge and skills, offering little feedback on their progress during the learning process. Criterion-referenced assessment focuses on measuring student performance against a defined set of criteria or standards, but it does not provide the real-time feedback that is characteristic of formative assessment. Thus, formative assessment is the best choice for continuous feedback during learning.