CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice

Formative evaluation is primarily characterized by its focus on gathering information and feedback during the development and implementation of a program. This type of evaluation aims to provide continuous feedback that can be used to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the program as it unfolds. By making judgments before or during implementation, formative evaluation allows educators and program developers to identify strengths and weaknesses, make necessary adjustments, and optimize the delivery of the program.

This iterative process contrasts with summative evaluation, which occurs at the end of a program to assess its overall effectiveness. While assessments conducted after program implementation provide valuable insights, they do not contribute to real-time improvements during the program's execution, which is the essence of formative evaluation. Furthermore, focusing solely on financial outcomes overlooks the holistic view of a program's impact and undervalues other critical areas such as participant engagement and educational effectiveness. In sum, the correct characterization of formative evaluation emphasizes its role in ongoing enhancement rather than a final judgment or exclusive financial concern.