Final answer:
An informal measure used by teachers for assessment is known as a formative assessment. It encompasses a range of activities that help instructors review a student's understanding and application of subject-specific concepts and skills. These assessments provide valuable feedback for both students and teachers.
Step-by-step explanation:
An informal measure used by teachers to assess a student's ability to complete a task specific to a topic or subject area is generally known as a formative assessment. These types of assessments can include various techniques and can be applied across different subjects, such as mathematics, history, or sciences. They aid educators in confirming core conceptual understanding and can range from simple quizzes to performance tasks where students apply content and skills to practical situations.
Teachers use formative assessments, like Grasp Checks and Check Your Understanding, to review and reinforce comprehension of concepts and skills throughout the learning process. For example, a Work It Out feature might guide students step by step to solve a problem, enhancing their analytical or computational skills. These assessments are typically not used for grading but rather to offer feedback and guide future instruction. Tasks, where students are challenged to apply what they have learned to solve real-world problems. This approach helps break down complex goals into more manageable steps, ensuring that students not only understand the material but can also apply it effectively.