Which type of evaluation occurs during the instructional phases to improve teaching?

Formative evaluation is designed to occur during instructional phases, allowing instructors to assess students' understanding and performance while teaching is still in progress. This type of evaluation helps identify areas where students may struggle, enabling instructors to make necessary adjustments to teaching methods, materials, or pacing. The ultimate goal of formative evaluation is to enhance student learning and improve the overall effectiveness of the instruction, promoting a more adaptive learning environment.

In contrast, summative evaluation typically takes place at the end of an instructional period and is used to measure the overall success and outcomes of the educational program. Diagnostic evaluation is often conducted before instruction begins to determine students' prior knowledge and skills, while annual evaluations are usually associated with broader program assessments or faculty performance reviews, rather than being directly tied to the immediate instructional process.