Formative assessment is focussed on the learning experience and usually carry no grade. It helps teachers understand the learning process and provides them with information to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. It involves giving learners regular feedback, which should trigger the learners’ action. Some examples of formative assessments include: portfolios; progress reports; group discussions; short, regular quizzes; etc.
When formative assessment elements are technology-enhanced, educators can resort to automated feedback (in quizzes, for example). Furthermore, when learners are allowed to revisit them, in a pre-determined time or at will, they can also identify areas for own improvement and (re)adjust their learning strategies.