Which of the following is an example of a formative assessment?

A student portfolio is considered a formative assessment because it allows teachers to gather continuous and evolving evidence of a student’s learning and progress over time. Formative assessments are designed to inform instruction and provide feedback to students, promoting understanding and growth in their learning journey.

Portfolios can include a variety of work, such as essays, artwork, tests, and reflections, which demonstrate the student’s development and mastery of skills. Teachers can use this information to adjust their teaching strategies or provide targeted support where needed, thus enhancing the learning experience.

In contrast, a final exam, final research project, and standardized test are typically summative assessments. These assessments evaluate students’ knowledge and skills at the end of an instructional period, measuring what students have learned but not necessarily informing ongoing teaching. They do not provide the same level of feedback for improvement as formative assessments do.