Which type of assessment provides immediate feedback to both educators and students?

Formative assessment is designed specifically for providing immediate feedback to educators and students during the learning process. It encompasses a variety of techniques such as quizzes, discussions, observations, and assignments that occur while instruction is still ongoing. The primary aim of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and understanding, allowing instructors to adjust their teaching methods accordingly and offer timely support to students who may be struggling with particular concepts. This approach helps in identifying learning gaps while the material is still being taught, facilitating a more adaptive and responsive learning environment.

In contrast, summative assessments are typically conducted at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning outcomes and do not provide immediate feedback since they are often used for grading purposes. Peer assessment and self-assessment can foster reflection and understanding but may not always provide the immediate and structured feedback that formative assessments do, particularly from the educator's perspective. Hence, formative assessment is the most effective in delivering prompt feedback that aids both the teaching and learning processes.