Which type of assessment is characterized by ongoing informal measures of progress?

Formative assessment is characterized by ongoing informal measures of student progress. This type of assessment is conducted during the learning process, providing insights into students' understanding and progress towards specific learning objectives. It typically involves various methods such as quizzes, discussions, observations, and feedback mechanisms that allow educators to adjust instruction to better meet the needs of their learners.

The primary purpose of formative assessment is to inform teaching and provide real-time feedback to students, thereby fostering a supportive learning environment. It emphasizes continuous growth rather than just final outcomes, making it an integral part of effective teaching practices.

In contrast, summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit through methods like final exams or projects, primarily measuring what students have learned rather than guiding instruction. Criterion assessment typically compares a student's performance to a predetermined standard or criterion, while normative assessment compares a student's performance to that of a peer group. These forms of assessment do not focus on the ongoing progress and adaptations in teaching that formative assessments provide.