Formative Evaluation: Monitoring Learning Progress during Instruction
Formative evaluation is a type of evaluation that is used to monitor learning progress during instruction. It involves the continuous assessment of students' understanding, knowledge, and skills throughout the learning process. This assessment is conducted to provide feedback and make adjustments to instruction to enhance learning outcomes.

Importance of Formative Evaluation
Formative evaluation plays a crucial role in the teaching and learning process. It helps both teachers and students to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and make necessary adjustments to improve learning. The primary purpose of formative evaluation is to inform instruction and guide the learning process.

Key Characteristics of Formative Evaluation
Formative evaluation is characterized by the following key aspects:

1. Ongoing Assessment: It involves continuous assessment throughout the instructional period rather than a one-time assessment at the end.

2. Feedback: It provides timely and constructive feedback to students, highlighting their progress and areas that need improvement.

3. Adjustments: It allows teachers to make adjustments to their instructional strategies, materials, and activities based on students' performance and needs.

4. Student-Centered: Formative evaluation focuses on the individual needs of students, promoting personalized learning experiences.

5. Diagnostic: It helps diagnose students' understanding and misconceptions, enabling targeted interventions and support.

Comparison with Other Types of Evaluation
While formative evaluation focuses on monitoring learning progress during instruction, other types of evaluation are used for different purposes:

- Summative Evaluation: Summative evaluation is conducted at the end of an instructional period to assess students' overall learning outcomes. It is often used for grading or certification purposes.

- Placement Evaluation: Placement evaluation is used to determine students' initial knowledge or skill level before starting a new course or program. It helps ensure that students are appropriately placed in the right instructional level.

- Diagnostic Evaluation: Diagnostic evaluation is used to assess students' strengths, weaknesses, and prior knowledge before instruction begins. It helps identify specific areas that need to be targeted during instruction.

Conclusion
Formative evaluation is a valuable tool in monitoring learning progress during instruction. It provides ongoing assessment, feedback, and adjustments to enhance students' learning outcomes. By focusing on individual student needs, formative evaluation promotes personalized and effective instructional practices.