Formative assessment involves gathering information from students during instruction to help them learn more effectively. It provides feedback to students so they can improve, unlike summative assessment which evaluates learning after instruction. Formative assessment strategies include anticipation guides, circle maps, carousels, knowledge rating charts, and Frayer models. Exit cards and thumbs up/down are examples of informal formative assessment techniques teachers can use to quickly check student understanding and pace of instruction. The goal of formative assessment is to help students learn, not just evaluate what they have learned.