Summative Assessment

Definition: Summative Assessment (SA) is conducted after a student has passed all the formative assessments. It evaluates the effectiveness of teaching and instruction based on the student’s performance.

Timing: SA takes place at the end of the course and measures the extent to which students have achieved the intended learning outcomes.

Purpose:

• Concerned with learning outcomes in the teaching-learning process.
• Involves the final tests or annual examinations to determine a student’s promotion to the next higher class or retention in the same class.
• Gathers information to judge the merit of the instructional sequence and decide whether to retain or adapt it.

Process:

• Teachers evaluate, and students demonstrate their performance to make final decisions regarding instructional activities.
• Formative and summative assessments complement each other in the teaching-learning process.

Characteristics of Summative Assessment

• It involves descriptive analysis.
• Focuses mainly on analysis and interpretation of results.
• Stresses the effects and appropriateness of the course and instructional methods.

Difference Between Formative and Summative Assessment

Aspect	Formative Assessment	Summative Assessment
Nature	Developmental, not judgmental.	Judgments based on merit.
Timing	Conducted during the instructional phase.	Conducted at the end of instruction.
Purpose	Monitors progress in learning.	Terminal assessment of overall performance.
Focus	Narrow and detailed.	General and broad.
Methodology	Daily assignments, observations.	Projects and tests.
Outcome Reporting	Individual scores, pass-fail patterns.	Total scores and overall evaluation.