What is a characteristic of summative evaluations?

Summative evaluations are designed to assess the overall effectiveness of an instructional program or learning experience after it has been completed. Their primary purpose is to measure the outcome of instruction, which typically involves evaluating whether the students have met the learning objectives established at the beginning of the course. This type of evaluation is often used for final assessments, such as exams or comprehensive projects, that reflect the knowledge and skills students have acquired by the end of a specific learning period.

In contrast, other types of evaluations, such as formative evaluations, occur during the learning process and focus on providing immediate feedback to enhance teaching and learning. These formative assessments emphasize monitoring student progress and engagement, which help in identifying areas for improvement while instruction is still ongoing. Thus, the defining characteristic of summative evaluations lies in their retrospective approach, providing a cumulative judgment of what learners have achieved at the conclusion of an instructional endeavor.