What types of questions can be used in formative assessments?

Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used to improve instruction and learning outcomes. The correct response encompasses a range of question types—including multiple choice, short answer, and performance tasks—that effectively gauge understanding.

Multiple choice questions can assess a student’s recognition of concepts and their application in various scenarios. Short answer questions allow for more nuanced responses, enabling students to articulate their thoughts and understanding in their own words. Performance tasks involve practical application of knowledge, where students can demonstrate their skills in real-world contexts, providing deeper insights into their comprehension and abilities. This variety ensures a comprehensive assessment of students’ understanding from different angles, catering to diverse learning styles.

In contrast, limiting the assessment to only true or false questions, essays, or fill-in-the-blank questions would restrict the depth and breadth of student feedback and understanding. True or false questions may not adequately capture a student's grasp of complex concepts, essays could be time-consuming and may not capture instant understanding of material, while fill-in-the-blank questions can sometimes lead to guessing rather than demonstrating true understanding. Thus, the inclusive approach in the correct option supports a more effective and thorough formative assessment strategy.