Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

What role does formative assessment play in the classroom setting?

1. To evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit

2. To provide ongoing feedback for both teacher and student

3. To determine final grades for students

4. To assess the teacher's effectiveness only

The correct answer is: To provide ongoing feedback for both teacher and student

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in the classroom by providing ongoing feedback for both teachers and students. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process rather than at the end of an instructional unit. Its primary purpose is to monitor student learning and understanding, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By incorporating formative assessments, teachers can gather insights into students’ progress, clarify misconceptions, and adapt their instruction to meet diverse needs. This ongoing feedback loop helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, promoting a growth mindset as they receive constructive guidance throughout their learning journey. In contrast, the other options highlight different types of assessments that do not align with the formative approach. Evaluating student learning at the end of a unit is characteristic of summative assessments, which summarize what students have learned, rather than informing ongoing instruction. Determining final grades is also a function of summative assessment, focusing on overall performance rather than continuous feedback. Assessing only the teacher's effectiveness does not capture the dual benefit of formative assessments, which are intended to enhance both teaching practices and student learning outcomes.