Which aspect of student learning does a formative assessment primarily focus on?

Formative assessment primarily focuses on the process of learning, emphasizing the ongoing development and understanding of students as they engage with the material. This type of assessment is typically conducted during the learning process rather than at the conclusion of a unit. By providing continuous feedback, formative assessments help identify areas where students may struggle and allow for adjustments in teaching methods to address these challenges. The goal is to enhance learning and improve student outcomes over time rather than to evaluate the final results or grades, which are more characteristic of summative assessments. Hence, the emphasis on the learning process rather than solely on the end products or assessments, such as grades and final presentations, is what distinguishes formative assessments.