Which type of evaluation is used to guide program improvement during development?

• A. Formative evaluation.
• B. Summative evaluation.
• C. Diagnostic evaluation.
• D. Predictive evaluation.

Answer: (A)

During development, you want feedback that helps refine the program as it’s being built. This ongoing, iterative process is formative evaluation. It focuses on how well components are working, what needs to be changed, and how to improve delivery, content, and procedures before a final rollout. By piloting parts of the program, gathering input from participants and facilitators, and reviewing early results, designers can make adjustments that enhance effectiveness and usability as development continues.

In contrast, summative evaluation happens after implementation to judge overall outcomes and value, not to guide ongoing improvements. Diagnostic evaluation looks at learners’ current knowledge and needs to tailor instruction for individuals, rather than shaping a program’s development itself. Predictive evaluation aims to forecast future performance rather than provide immediate guidance for development.