What is the intended outcome of summative evaluation?

The intended outcome of summative evaluation is to assess overall program effectiveness. This type of evaluation typically occurs at the conclusion of an educational program or activity, focusing on the results and impacts of the program rather than on the processes or ongoing feedback mechanisms that formative evaluations might address. Summative evaluations measure whether the goals and objectives of the program were achieved, providing data on the effectiveness and impact of the curriculum or training initiative as a whole. By collecting and analyzing this information, stakeholders can make informed decisions about the continuation, improvement, or expansion of the educational offerings, and they can determine the value and outcomes derived from the program.