RARPA - 5. Summative Assessment:

5.  Summative Assessment: some guidelines and Exemplars

Summative assessment is 'the proof of the pudding' for learners, tutors/leaders and managers of provision. It is about the review of overall progress and achievement at the end of a programme. It should indicate the 'value added' and 'distance travelled' by learners/participants during a course, programme or community activity.

It is the ultimate indicator of the quality of a course, programme or community activity and plays an important part in internal and external moderation processes and institutional Self Assessment processes. It will include learner self-assessment and summative assessment by the tutor.

It will be related to the appropriately challenging learning objectives identified at the beginning of, and during, the programme/activity , as appropriate. It may include recognition of learning outcomes not specified during the programme.
 

Good practice includes:

  • Pulling together all the measurement processes that have been used throughout the programme to provide a summative view of 'value-added' and 'distance travelled'
  • Using appropriate assessment tools for individuals and contexts, including: records of learner self-assessment, group and peer assessment, tutor records of assessment activities and individual/group progress and achievement learners' files, journals, diaries, portfolios, artwork; videos, audiotapes, performances, exhibitions and displays, individual or group learner testimony, artefacts, photographs and other forms of evidence
  • Checking whether the course met learners' initial expectations.
  • Comparing learners' perceptions of knowledge/skill levels at the beginning of the course with those at the end.
  • Identifying additional aspects people might have gained e.g. confidence, social skills, increased employability.
  • Identifying future plans and progression.

Example of Approaches to Summative Assessment

Learner Focused End of Course Evaluation
Blackburn with Darwen's template enabling learners to reflect on their achievement of learning outcomes and on their personal gainspproaches to Summative Assessment