What type of evaluation provides qualitative and quantitative descriptions of progress?

Formative evaluation is designed to provide both qualitative and quantitative descriptions of a learner's progress throughout the instructional process. This type of evaluation is ongoing and occurs during the learning experience rather than at the end. It allows educators to monitor student understanding and skills as they develop, making it easier to identify areas where students may need additional support or intervention.

Formative evaluation typically involves the collection of various types of data, such as performance assessments, quizzes, classroom observations, and student feedback. This mixed-methods approach enables the educator to gain insights not only about how well students are performing quantitatively—through scores and grades—but also qualitatively, by understanding students' attitudes, engagement, and learning processes.

In contrast, summative evaluation focuses on assessing student learning after an instructional period, typically to determine whether educational goals have been met. Benchmark evaluations generally measure progress against established standards or milestones, while comprehensive evaluations provide a holistic view of a student's abilities or program effectiveness without focusing on the continuous monitoring aspect that formative evaluations emphasize.