What is the purpose of a formative evaluation during the Development phase?

The purpose of a formative evaluation during the Development phase is to review and revise instructional materials before they are implemented. This evaluation is integral to the instructional design process as it allows designers to gather feedback on various elements of the instructional materials while they are still in the early phases of development. The insights gained from formative evaluations help identify potential issues or areas for improvement, enabling designers to make necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness and quality of the instructional materials prior to their actual use in a learning environment.

Formative evaluations focus on enhancing the learning experience, ensuring that the instructional strategies, content, and delivery methods are aligned with the learners' needs. By conducting these evaluations early, designers can iterate on their materials more efficiently and ultimately lead to better learning outcomes.