Which method is most commonly employed to evaluate overall student performance at the end of a unit?

Summative assessment is the method typically used to evaluate overall student performance at the conclusion of a unit. This type of assessment is designed to measure what students have learned and how well they can apply their knowledge after a specific instructional period. It often includes tests, projects, or presentations that encompass the material covered during the unit, providing a comprehensive overview of student understanding and achievement.

The primary purpose of summative assessments is to assess the cumulative knowledge and skills that students have acquired, thus guiding educators in determining the efficacy of their teaching strategies and the overall performance of the class. It is distinct from formative assessment, which occurs throughout the learning process and is aimed at monitoring student learning to provide ongoing feedback. Diagnostic assessment, on the other hand, is used primarily at the beginning of a course to gauge students' prior knowledge and skills, while ongoing assessment focuses on continuous evaluation during the learning process rather than at its conclusion.