Which of the following reflects a formative evaluation in education?

A pre-test is a prime example of formative evaluation in education because it is designed to assess students' knowledge and skills before instruction begins. The purpose of a pre-test is to identify areas where students may need additional support or focus, allowing educators to tailor their teaching approaches to meet the specific needs of each student or group. This type of evaluation is ongoing and provides immediate feedback on learners’ prior understanding, helping to inform instructional strategies and improve learning outcomes throughout the educational process.

In contrast, a final exam represents a summative evaluation, which assesses students’ learning after a course or instructional period. Similarly, a series of end-of-course evaluations also falls into the category of summative assessments, as they evaluate the overall effectiveness of instruction at the conclusion of a program. Annual performance reviews, while useful for assessing overall growth and effectiveness, do not focus specifically on the ongoing educational process for students, thus disconnecting them from formative evaluation practices.