Which statement best defines formative feedback?

Which statement best defines formative feedback?

• A. Feedback provided during learning to guide improvement.
• B. Feedback given at the end of a unit to assign a grade.
• C. External evaluation not used for instruction.
• D. Only peer feedback without instructor guidance.

Answer: (A)

Formative feedback is feedback given during learning to guide improvement and help students move forward as they work toward mastering a skill or concept. It focuses on actionable steps, so students know what to change next and teachers can adjust instruction to support that progress. This differs from feedback that comes at the end of a unit to assign a grade, which analyzes what was learned after the fact. It also isn’t about external evaluation that isn’t used to inform instruction, and while peers can contribute, effective formative feedback usually involves guidance from the instructor to be most helpful. In short, the best statement reflects feedback that happens during learning with the goal of guiding next steps and growth.

Formative feedback is feedback given during learning to guide improvement and help students move forward as they work toward mastering a skill or concept. It focuses on actionable steps, so students know what to change next and teachers can adjust instruction to support that progress. This differs from feedback that comes at the end of a unit to assign a grade, which analyzes what was learned after the fact. It also isn’t about external evaluation that isn’t used to inform instruction, and while peers can contribute, effective formative feedback usually involves guidance from the instructor to be most helpful. In short, the best statement reflects feedback that happens during learning with the goal of guiding next steps and growth.