Summative assessments are tools used to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period. They aim to measure how well students have grasped the material and achieved the learning objectives. Common examples include final exams, standardized tests, and end-of-term projects. These assessments provide a comprehensive overview of student performance and are often used for grading purposes.
Unlike formative assessments, which occur during the learning process to provide ongoing feedback, summative assessments focus on the overall outcome. They help educators determine the effectiveness of their teaching methods and identify areas where students may need additional support or resources.