What is the purpose of summative assessment?

The purpose of summative assessment is primarily to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit. This type of assessment is typically used to determine whether students have met the learning objectives and benchmarks after a set period of instruction. Summative assessments can take the form of final exams, standardized tests, projects, or end-of-term presentations. These assessments often summarize the effectiveness of the instruction and provide a comprehensive overview of student understanding and achievement.

In contrast, other forms of assessment serve different functions. For instance, diagnostics aim to identify learning needs before instruction begins, while formative assessments provide ongoing feedback throughout the learning process to guide both teachers and students. Daily performance assessments, often informal, help monitor student engagement and understanding on a more immediate basis. However, none of these alternatives serve the same evaluative and conclusive role as summative assessments, which focus on the overall outcomes and learning achievements achieved after a period of instruction.