What type of tests are designed to measure a student’s comprehension of knowledge after instruction?

Summative assessments are specifically designed to evaluate a student's understanding and mastery of content following a period of instruction. These tests provide a comprehensive overview of what students have learned and can often influence future teaching strategies, curricula, and student progress assessments. They typically occur at the end of a unit or course and are aimed at gauging how well students have achieved the intended learning objectives.

In contrast, assessments that measure potential or abilities, such as diagnostic or formative assessments, focus on different aspects of a student's learning journey. Diagnostic assessments are often used before instruction begins to identify a student’s existing knowledge and skill levels, while formative assessments provide ongoing feedback during the instructional process to help guide teaching and learning improvements. Summative assessments specifically encapsulate the essence of measuring comprehension of knowledge after instruction has been completed, making them distinct and crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of teaching.