Which type of assessment focuses on evaluating student learning after an instructional period?

The correct response, which focuses on evaluating student learning after an instructional period, is summative assessment. Summative assessment is designed to measure the extent to which students have mastered the content and skills that have been taught, typically at the end of an instructional unit, course, or school year. The results of summative assessments, such as final exams, standardized tests, or end-of-term projects, provide a comprehensive overview of student learning outcomes and help determine grades or evaluate program effectiveness.

In contrast, diagnostic assessment is utilized at the beginning of an instructional period to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, allowing educators to tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Formative assessment occurs during the instructional process and is used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback, enabling adjustments to teaching strategies as needed. Authentic assessment seeks to evaluate student skills and knowledge in real-world contexts, often using tasks that simulate real-life challenges rather than traditional testing formats.

By understanding the specific role of summative assessment, educators can better implement it as a tool for measuring overall student performance and educational effectiveness following a defined period of instruction.