What role does formative feedback play in education?

Formative feedback plays a crucial role in education by providing students with valuable insights regarding their performance and progress. This type of feedback is designed to inform students about their strengths and areas that need improvement throughout the learning process, rather than just at the end of a unit or course. By highlighting both what students are doing well and what can be enhanced, formative feedback helps guide their learning and fosters a growth mindset. It encourages students to take ownership of their learning and actively engage in making adjustments to enhance their understanding and skills.

In contrast to other options, this type of feedback is not limited to final evaluations, as it specifically focuses on ongoing learning and development. It is also not restricted to the beginning of a learning unit, as it is applicable at various stages throughout the educational process, allowing for continuous improvement. Moreover, formative feedback does not replace the need for other types of assessments, such as summative assessments, which evaluate overall learning at the end of a unit, but rather complements them by providing instructional support.