What is the role of formative assessment in language instruction?

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in language instruction by offering ongoing feedback that informs both teaching practices and student learning. This type of assessment occurs during the learning process, allowing educators to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement. The continuous nature of formative assessment enables instructors to adjust their strategies in real-time, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their teaching.

For language learners, this approach is particularly beneficial because it allows for immediate intervention and support. Instead of waiting until the end of a unit or course to evaluate performance, formative assessment gives teachers insights into student understanding and engagement throughout the learning experience. By incorporating this feedback, both students and educators can collaboratively work towards achieving language proficiency, making the learning process more dynamic and responsive to individual needs.