What type of assessment provides insights into student understanding during a lesson?

Formative assessment is designed to gather feedback during the learning process, providing insights into student understanding while a lesson is ongoing. It is typically used by educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and to adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This type of assessment can include techniques like questioning, discussions, quizzes, and observations, all aimed at enhancing learning as it unfolds.

By utilizing formative assessments, teachers can create a responsive learning environment where instructional strategies are continuously adapted based on real-time student performance. The goal is to support and improve student learning rather than simply measuring it, which is the primary focus of summative assessments.