What is one characteristic of informal assessments?

Informal assessments are primarily designed to be flexible and to integrate seamlessly into everyday classroom interactions. One key characteristic of informal assessments is their ability to help teachers gain insights into students' strengths and weaknesses. These assessments can take various forms—such as quizzes, discussions, observations, and hands-on activities—and are often conducted in non-threatening environments. They allow educators to gauge understanding and progress dynamically, adapting their teaching strategies to meet individual student needs. This ongoing feedback mechanism helps to create a more responsive and supportive learning atmosphere.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that do not align with the essence of informal assessments. Graded feedback and standardized testing pertain more to formal assessment methods, which emphasize scores and comparisons across a broader population. Informal assessments are generally less structured, providing a more fluid way of capturing student comprehension and engagement rather than adhering to strict protocols and scoring systems.