What is the main focus of summative assessments?

Summative assessments are primarily designed to evaluate and measure a student's overall learning and understanding of material at the end of a specific instructional period, such as a unit, course, or program. This type of assessment aims to determine whether students have achieved the intended learning outcomes and how well they have grasped the content taught throughout the instructional period.

By assessing final learning outcomes, summative assessments provide a comprehensive picture of student proficiency and effectiveness of the instructional strategies employed. This information is crucial for educators, as it can influence curriculum development, future teaching strategies, and accountability measures within the educational institution.

Although some assessments focus on ongoing performance, future feedback, or engagement, summative assessments distinctly prioritize the culmination of learning, verifying what students have learned after instruction has occurred.