What is an example of a diagnostic assessment?

The selection of a pre-test as an example of a diagnostic assessment is rooted in its primary purpose: to identify existing knowledge gaps and determine students' readiness to learn new content. Diagnostic assessments are utilized before instruction begins to gauge what students already know and where they might need additional support. This helps educators tailor their teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of their learners.

While the other options serve important assessment purposes, they do not align with the definition of diagnostic assessment. A final exam evaluates cumulative knowledge after instruction, while a project typically assesses application of skills learned, and standardized tests measure proficiency against a set benchmark rather than diagnose individual learning needs. Therefore, the focus of a pre-test on uncovering students' prior knowledge distinguishes it as a diagnostic tool.