In terms of assessment, what does summative refer to?

Summative assessment refers to the final evaluation of student learning that occurs at the end of a specific instructional unit, course, or program. This type of assessment is typically used to measure what students have learned and to evaluate their overall performance in relation to defined learning goals or standards. Summative assessments can take various forms, including final exams, projects, or standardized tests, and they provide educators with a comprehensive overview of student learning outcomes.

This approach differs from ongoing assessments, which are formative and occur during the learning process to monitor progress and guide instruction. Additionally, summative assessments are generally standardized or structured and differ from non-standardized methods that may be more subjective. While teachers may design summative assessments, the key characteristic that defines them is their role in providing a culmination point for evaluating student learning at the end of a learning period.