What type of assessment does not follow prescribed rules for administration?

Informal assessment is characterized by a flexible approach that allows educators to evaluate student understanding and skills without adhering to strict, predetermined guidelines. This type of assessment often takes place in natural, everyday classroom settings, such as through observations, conversations, and feedback on class activities. Because it is not bound by specific protocols or testing conditions, informal assessments can adapt to different contexts and individual student needs, providing a more nuanced understanding of a learner's abilities.

In contrast, standardized assessments follow specific rules for administration, ensuring that they are administered consistently and scored in a uniform manner across different test takers. Formal assessments are structured and planned, often contributing to academic records. Diagnostic assessments are used to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in specific areas to inform instructional planning. Each of these other types adheres to defined procedures, whereas informal assessments prioritize a more organic and responsive approach to learning evaluation.