Which of the following is an example of informal assessment?

Informal assessment refers to methods of assessing student learning that are typically unstructured and use everyday classroom activities to gauge understanding. Class discussions and observations fit this definition perfectly as they provide teachers with an ongoing insight into students' thought processes, engagement levels, and understanding of the material in a natural setting. These assessments are adaptable, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments to teaching strategies based on student responses and interactions. This contrasts with formal assessments, such as statewide standardized tests and formal year-end exams, which have set formats and criteria, making them less flexible in assessing individual student learning in real-time. Additionally, detailed written reports represent a more formal evaluation of student performance, as they generally summarize achievements based on predefined standards and objectives. Thus, class discussions and observations exemplify informal assessment due to their spontaneous and adaptive nature in reflecting student learning.