What is a primary focus of formative assessment?

Formative assessment is primarily focused on understanding and enhancing the learning process as it unfolds. It provides ongoing feedback that helps educators and students identify strengths and weaknesses throughout the learning journey. By regularly assessing students' understanding in real-time, teachers can adjust their instructional methods, provide targeted support, and foster an environment of continuous improvement. This approach prioritizes development and growth rather than the final outcomes.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects of assessment. The final evaluation of student performance looks at the outcome at the end of a learning period, which is not the goal of formative assessment. Assigning letter grades typically categorizes performance without providing the detailed insights necessary for improvement. Standardizing student evaluations suggests a one-size-fits-all approach that does not typically align with the personalized, adaptive nature of formative assessments. Thus, the focus on identifying strengths and weaknesses over time is what distinctly characterizes formative assessment.