Which type of assessment is most likely to take place at the end of a learning unit?

The most suitable type of assessment to take place at the end of a learning unit is a summative assessment. This form of assessment is designed to evaluate student learning, typically by measuring the extent to which learners have achieved specific learning objectives at the conclusion of an instructional period. Summative assessments often take the form of exams, projects, or presentations that assess the cumulative knowledge and skills acquired throughout the unit.

The main purpose of summative assessments is to provide a final measure of student learning, which can be used for purposes such as assigning grades or certifying proficiency before moving on to the next stage of education. By this phase, students have typically engaged with the content thoroughly, allowing the assessment to reflect their overall comprehension and capabilities.

In contrast, diagnostic assessments are usually conducted before instruction begins to identify students' existing knowledge and skills, while informal assessments are ongoing and help inform teaching during the learning process. Progress monitoring assessments are conducted at various points to track students' learning advancements throughout a unit, rather than solely at the end. Each of these assessments serves a different purpose and occurs at different stages of the educational process, which highlights why summative assessment is the most appropriate choice for assessing learning at the end of a unit.