Summative assessment

The summative evaluation is used in contrast to the formative evaluation in fully developed programs after their implementation. The goal is the final assessment or review of the performance level, not the influence on the program being evaluated (eg a curriculum, research or development program ) with the aim of improving outcomes through continuous feedback during the process.

This is therefore a form of outcome evaluation, which makes only a comparison between postulated and the achieved goal state. Therefore, the concept of summative evaluation is somewhat similar to the idea of ​​the final inspection in quality assurance. The results can only be subsequently used for the targeted adjustment of the program or process. Stockmann describes the summative evaluation as follows: ". Summary, prepare accounts and results- oriented" The mathematician and philosopher Michael Scriven, of the distinction between formative and summative evaluation dates (1967 ) formulated this way: " When the cook abschmeckt, that's formative. If the guest costs, that's summative. " Formative evaluation is thus aimed to already reduce risks during program development.

Methodologically, a summative evaluation is usually much easier and more reliable than a formative evaluation, which must often rely on a complex mix of methods.

Summative Evaluation in Pädagogigk

Each school exam is a summative evaluation in this sense. It assesses only whether learning objectives of the curriculum have been achieved, but not examined, as has been learned, or why has not been learned (eg due to poor teaching or teaching materials).