What is a primary benefit of using running records in education?

Using running records in education is primarily beneficial because they provide insight into the specific reading strategies employed by students during reading activities. This formative assessment tool allows educators to observe and record a student's reading behavior as they read aloud. By capturing details such as mispronunciations, self-corrections, and the use of context clues, running records help teachers understand how students approach texts, the strategies they apply, and where they may struggle. This information is invaluable for tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs and facilitating targeted interventions.

Assessing emotional development, documenting behavior in social settings, or generating grades does not align with the primary purpose of running records, which is focused squarely on students' reading processes and strategies, making option B the best choice.