Which term best describes the assessment that follows the completion of a unit or course?

The term that best describes the assessment that takes place after the completion of a unit or course is known as Summative Evaluation. This type of evaluation is designed to measure the extent to which learners have achieved the objectives and outcomes of the course or unit. Typically conducted at the end of an instructional period, summative evaluations often take the form of final exams, projects, or presentations that encapsulate the students' learning experiences and knowledge acquisition.

Summative evaluations provide critical data that can be used to inform both the instructors and the educational institution about the effectiveness of the instructional strategies employed and the overall success of the curriculum. By focusing on the end results, this type of assessment helps to gauge overall learner performance and understanding of the subject matter after the educational experience has concluded, allowing for meaningful insights into the efficiency of the educational process.

In contrast, formative evaluation occurs during the instructional process, providing ongoing feedback to both instructors and students. Continuous assessment refers to regular evaluations throughout a course rather than at its conclusion. Outcome evaluation focuses on the achievement of specific learning outcomes and goals but does not necessarily denote the timing of the assessment relative to instruction.