What type of assessment is a teacher using when questioning pairs of students during partner reading?

When a teacher questions pairs of students during partner reading, the assessment being used is informal. This type of assessment typically occurs in a more casual setting, allowing the teacher to observe and engage with students as they interact and practice their reading skills. Informal assessments are flexible and can provide immediate feedback to both the students and the teacher regarding the students' understanding, fluency, and comprehension of the material.

In this scenario, the teacher is gathering insights about students' abilities through direct observation and dialogue, rather than utilizing standardized tests, which are structured and often administered in a formal setting. Similarly, informal assessments differ from summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period and are usually more formalized. Additionally, diagnostic assessments aim to identify students' specific strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins, while informal assessments are integrated within the learning process to enhance instruction and support learning goals on an ongoing basis.