The primary purpose of assessment for learning/formative assessment is to provide feedback to students. Wider than this it can motivate students to self regulate their learning, positively influence students’ self efficacy, improve meta-cognitive skills and develop their skills as lifelong learners . It can encourage students to develop the skills of autonomous study, motivating them to structure independent work in ways which meaningfully relate to assessed work and that will beneficially effect achievement and success. David Nicol Liz Mc Dowell David Boud have all researched and written about these aspects of assessment for learning.