Final answer:
Formative assessment is the continuous process of gathering, organizing, and interpreting evidence of student learning to inform and improve instructional practice, including the use of observations, to tailor teaching strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ongoing process of gathering evidence of children's learning and development, then organizing and interpreting the information to inform instructional practice is known as formative assessment. Formative assessment is an integral part of instructional design, where educators collect data through various methods, such as observations, quizzes, and discussions. The purpose of this process is to use the gathered evidence to make informed decisions about how to better support student learning and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
One key strategy within formative assessment is observation, which can reveal how students are understanding and applying the concepts being taught. Through observation, educators may uncover insights into areas where students excel or struggle, and then tailor their instruction to meet the students' needs. The process aligns with broader educational goals, such as the development of historical evidence, fostering scientific reasoning through science as a process, and supporting logical and mathematical thought as described by Gutas (2012).
To effectively implement formative assessment, educators follow specific phases, starting with the Preparatory Phase, moving into the Implementation and Learning Phase, then undertaking a Program Evaluation Phase, and finally, the Development of Lessons Learned. This systematic approach ensures a comprehensive and informed understanding of students' learning progress and needs.