Summativity

Summativity is a term used in various fields, often related to education and assessment, to describe the idea of measuring or assessing the cumulative knowledge or skills acquired over a period. It contrasts with formative assessment, which is used to monitor learning progress and provide ongoing feedback during the learning process. Summative assessments, by nature, occur at the end of a learning unit, course, or program and aim to evaluate what a student has learned.

Examples of summative assessments include final exams, end-of-term projects, standardized tests, and final papers. The purpose of a summative assessment is to gauge the overall achievement of learning objectives. The results are often used to assign grades, determine program effectiveness, or make decisions about a student's advancement. While formative assessments are about improving learning while it's happening, summative assessments are about evaluating learning that has already occurred. The data gathered from summative assessments can inform future curriculum development and instructional strategies. The focus is on the final outcome rather than the process of learning.