Which type of assessment is primarily focused on measuring student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period?

The focus of summative assessment is to evaluate and measure student learning at the end of an instructional period, such as a unit, term, or course. This type of assessment aims to determine if students have met the learning objectives and gained the necessary knowledge or skills as intended. It often involves standardized tests, final exams, projects, or cumulative assessments that summarize and reflect students' overall performance and understanding after a specific timeframe of instruction.

In contrast, formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback during the instructional process. Diagnostic assessments are conducted before instruction to identify students' strengths and weaknesses. Aptitude assessments measure a student's potential or ability to learn new skills but do not assess what they have learned directly after instruction. Each type of assessment serves distinct purposes in the educational process, but summative assessment specifically measures the outcomes of learning.