THE IMPORTANCE OF FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

Formative assessment has emerged as a key element in English Language Teaching (ELT), serving as a bridge between instruction and learning. Unlike summative assessment, which focuses on evaluating outcomes, formative assessment emphasizes ongoing feedback to guide learners in their progress. In ESL and EFL classrooms, formative assessment supports language acquisition by identifying strengths and weaknesses, fostering learner autonomy, and enhancing motivation. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of formative assessment, its role in language pedagogy, effective strategies for implementation, and the challenges teachers and learners may encounter.