What type of evaluations are performed by developers and instructors to evaluate student improvement?

Formative evaluations are ongoing assessments that instructors use to monitor student learning and provide continuous feedback. This type of evaluation is designed to support and enhance the learning process while it is happening, allowing instructors to identify areas where students may be struggling and to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By using formative assessments, instructors can guide students to improve their skills and knowledge effectively during the course.

This type of evaluation occurs at various points throughout the educational process, such as assessing students through quizzes, discussions, and hands-on activities. The main goal is to foster student development and enhance learning, making formative evaluations a critical tool for ensuring that students are progressing.

The other options do serve specific purposes but do not fit as well in this context. Summative evaluations occur after instruction to measure what students have learned, often in the form of final exams or projects. Diagnostic evaluations take place before instruction to determine students' current levels of knowledge and skill, allowing instructors to tailor the curriculum accordingly. Criterion-referenced evaluations measure how well students perform against a fixed set of criteria or learning standards, which is typically used for certification or grading purposes after the instructional period has concluded. Each of these types has its importance, but formative evaluations are particularly focused on ongoing improvement and support during the learning process.