Summative assessments are typically characterized by what type of judgment?

Summative assessments are specifically designed to evaluate and measure a student's overall knowledge or skills at the end of an instructional period, such as a unit, course, or program. They provide a final judgment regarding a student's level of mastery over the material covered. This type of assessment often includes standardized tests, final exams, or major projects that aggregate learning outcomes to determine if the educational objectives have been met. Summative assessments serve to summarize what students have learned and can often influence final grades or certifications.

In contrast, continuous assessment of progress typically involves ongoing evaluations throughout the learning process, which helps educators adjust instruction and support students continuously. Informal assessments of student participation focus more on engagement rather than measuring specific learning outcomes, and diagnostic evaluations are designed to identify students' strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins, thus targeting future learning needs. These differences highlight the distinct purpose of summative assessments in providing a conclusive overview of student performance.