What is meant by 'summative assessment'?

Summative assessment refers to the evaluation conducted at the end of an instructional unit or course to measure student learning and determine whether educational goals and standards have been met. This type of assessment is typically used to assign grades, evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies, and assess whether students have achieved the learning objectives set forth at the beginning of a course. By measuring what students have retained after a specific period of instruction, summative assessments provide a comprehensive overview of student performance and knowledge acquisition.

In contrast, other assessment types focus on ongoing learning processes rather than measuring final outcomes. For example, informal assessments related to class participation are not meant to measure overall learning at the conclusion of a unit. Similarly, tools that provide feedback during lessons aim to enhance learning in real-time rather than evaluate past learning. Finally, assessments intended solely for teacher reflection do not evaluate student learning outcomes but instead focus on improving instructional practices, making them distinct from the summative purpose.