What is 'Formative Feedback'?

Formative feedback refers to feedback that is provided during the learning process to help guide and enhance a learner's progress. This type of feedback is integral to instructional strategies because it allows instructors and learners to identify areas where improvement is needed while the learning is still ongoing. Such feedback is timely, specific, and aimed at helping learners understand how to enhance their performance, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of the material.

The focus on progress during the learning experience differentiates formative feedback from other types, such as summative feedback, which is evaluated only at the end of a course or learning period. By being ongoing and directly linked to the learning process, formative feedback can motivate learners and foster a more adaptive learning environment, allowing adjustments to be made based on constructive criticism and encouragement.