Which evaluation method does a teacher use to identify what to focus on based on students' knowledge?

The correct answer is formative evaluation because this method is specifically designed to assess students' understanding and knowledge during the learning process. Formative evaluation involves ongoing feedback and assessments that help the teacher identify what students have grasped and where they may be struggling. By using formative assessments—such as quizzes, discussions, or informal observations—teachers can adapt their instruction to better meet students' needs, focus on areas that require improvement, and reinforce concepts that have not yet been mastered.

This approach contrasts with summative evaluations, which occur at the end of an instructional period and typically focus on overall student learning outcomes rather than providing real-time insight into their knowledge. Absolute grading standards set fixed criteria for performance without necessarily diagnosing individual student understanding throughout the learning process. Mastery grading scales, while they can inform on skill acquisition, may not provide the continuous feedback necessary for adjusting instruction effectively. Therefore, formative evaluation stands out as the most suitable method for identifying focus areas based on students' current knowledge.