Formative assessment happens during the learning journey. Think of it as an ongoing conversation between the educator and the learner — a chance to check understanding, adjust techniques, and improve performance before the final evaluation.
Formative assessment often feels slightly more informal, than a summative assessment. Through ongoing format feedback is given for encouragement and constructive correction takes place. It gives both learners and tutors the knowledge needed to accurately analyses knowledge and skill.
This type of assessment is outlined by the awarding organisation. A logbook will detail the outcomes an assessor must see demonstrated and knowledge that students must showcase, these are usually assignment and test based.