What is the primary goal of formative evaluation?

The primary goal of formative evaluation is to improve a program and identify weaknesses during its development or implementation. This type of evaluation is conducted to provide ongoing feedback, allowing instructors, program developers, or stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and enhancements while the program is still active. It focuses on the processes involved in delivering the program, such as instructional methods, resource allocation, and participant engagement, rather than solely measuring outcomes. By identifying strengths and weaknesses throughout the implementation phase, formative evaluation aims to create a more effective and efficient program that meets the needs of its participants effectively.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects of evaluation. Assessing outcomes relates to summative evaluation, which takes place after a program has been implemented to judge its success and effectiveness. Establishing compliance with standards pertains to ensuring that a program meets predefined criteria but doesn’t focus on improvement. Measuring participant satisfaction is often part of both formative and summative evaluations but is not the primary goal of formative evaluation.