When a teacher observes group dynamics during a student activity, what type of assessment is she conducting?

The teacher observing group dynamics during a student activity is conducting an informal formative assessment. This type of assessment is characterized by its ongoing nature and focus on gathering insights about students' understanding and interactions as they occur in real-time. Observing how students collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the group provides valuable feedback on their skills, engagement, and the effectiveness of the activity, allowing the teacher to make adjustments to enhance learning.

Such assessments are not systematic or standardized, which differentiates them from formal assessments. They help inform instructional practices and support student growth by identifying areas where students may need additional support or guidance. This method is particularly beneficial because it captures the complexities of student interaction that might not be evident through formal testing or isolated measures of understanding.