An example of an informal, formative assessment could be which of the following?

• A. Final paper
• B. Midterm exam
• C. Homework assignment
• D. Standardized test

Answer: (C)

An informal, formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning. Among the options provided, a homework assignment is often used in various educational settings as a tool for informal assessment. This type of assignment allows instructors to gauge students' understanding of the material in a low-stakes environment.

Homework assignments can reveal student comprehension and areas needing improvement without the pressure associated with formal evaluations. They encourage students to engage with the content at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding. Additionally, the feedback from homework can guide both the learners and the educators, helping to shape future lessons or study sessions.

In contrast, the other choices are typically characterized as formal assessments. A final paper usually represents a comprehensive evaluation of a student's learning at the end of a course, while a midterm exam offers a more structured approach to assess knowledge midway through a term. Standardized tests are designed to measure student achievement against predetermined criteria and are not adapted to individual feedback needs. Thus, these alternatives do not serve the purpose of formative assessments in the same way that homework assignments do.