What is the primary focus of formative evaluation?

The primary focus of formative evaluation is to measure the learner's progress toward goal achievement. This type of evaluation is designed to provide ongoing feedback to learners and educators throughout the learning process. By continuously assessing understanding and skill development, formative evaluation facilitates improvements and adjustments in teaching strategies, learning activities, and learner engagement. This feedback mechanism helps identify areas where learners may need additional support or resources, ultimately guiding them toward the successful attainment of their educational goals.

In contrast to formative evaluation, the other options focus on later stages of assessment or criteria that do not emphasize the growth and development of learners in real-time. For instance, assessing a learner's final performance is indicative of summative evaluation, which occurs after the learning process is complete and does not drive immediate instructional changes. Similarly, determining an evaluator's qualifications is unrelated to the evaluation of learners' progress and is more about the capability of the assessor rather than the learning outcomes. Finally, providing a final decision on competence is also characteristic of summative evaluation, solidifying a judgment after the education process instead of fostering improvement during the learning journey.