What does "formative evaluation" aim to achieve?

Formative evaluation is focused on the ongoing assessment of a program while it is being developed and implemented. The primary aim of formative evaluation is to gather feedback and insights that can be used to enhance the program's design and implementation in real-time. This approach allows program developers and stakeholders to make necessary adjustments, address challenges as they arise, and ensure that the program is effective and meets its intended goals.

By continuously evaluating the program during its development phase, formative evaluation fosters an adaptive learning environment that can lead to better outcomes and the successful achievement of program objectives. This contrasts with other evaluation types, such as summative evaluation, which occurs after the program's conclusion, focusing on overall effectiveness rather than improvement during the process.