What type of assessment serves as an informal check for students' understanding during learning?

Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning. This type of assessment occurs during the learning process rather than at the end and allows educators to gauge how well students are grasping concepts in real time. It can take various forms such as quizzes, observations, discussions, or quick informal checks, which enable teachers to identify specific areas where students may be struggling.

The purpose of formative assessments is to inform instruction and guide future lessons, making it an essential tool for both teachers and learners. By continuously assessing students' understanding throughout the instructional process, educators can tailor their teaching methods to better meet the needs of their students, ensuring that they are on track to meet learning objectives.