Summative assessment is an evaluation that takes place after a period of learning, typically at the end of a unit or term. Its primary purpose is to measure students' overall understanding, skills, and knowledge on a specific subject or topic. Summative assessments are used to determine if learning objectives have been met. Examples include end of level assessment, weekly spelling and maths check-ups, and cold pieces.
An end-of-level assessment is a type of summative assessment that occurs at the conclusion of a specific level of education or learning period, such as the end of a school year or level. Its purpose is to evaluate students' overall comprehension, skills, and knowledge acquired throughout the academic year or level. End-of-level assessments aim to measure students' performance, identify areas for improvement, and determine if they have met specific learning objectives and standards set for that level of education. These assessments help teachers and schools gauge the effectiveness of their teaching methods and determine the next steps in students' educational journeys.
A weekly spelling and math check-up is a form of assessment that evaluates students' understanding and retention of spelling and mathematical concepts on a weekly basis. The purpose of these assessments is to regularly assess students' progress, identify any areas of difficulty or improvement, and provide feedback to both students and teachers. This frequent assessment allows educators to adjust instruction and support interventions to ensure students are mastering key concepts and skills.
A "cold piece" is a term used to describe a situation where a student is given a task, assignment, or prompt without any prior preparation or practice. The purpose of a cold piece is to assess a student's ability to think quickly, critically, and creatively in a novel or unanticipated situation. It is often used as a form of on-the-spot evaluation to gauge a student's spontaneous problem-solving skills, adaptability, and overall understanding of a subject matter.