What type of assessment assesses the knowledge and skills a student has gained at the end of an instructional unit?

Summative assessment is designed to evaluate students' learning at the conclusion of an instructional unit by measuring what they have learned and how well they can apply that knowledge or those skills. It is typically conducted after instruction has completed and provides a comprehensive picture of student mastery of the material covered.

These assessments can take various forms, such as final exams, projects, or standardized tests, and are used to determine whether educational goals have been met. They often inform decisions regarding grades, program effectiveness, and curriculum revisions, making them crucial for both educators and institutions.

In contrast, formative assessments are conducted during the instructional process to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. Norm-referenced assessments compare a student's performance to that of a larger group, while diagnostic assessments identify students' strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins. Summative assessments stand apart by focusing specifically on the outcomes of the learning process after it has taken place.