FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which assessment is best for evaluating the long-term retention of students' knowledge after instruction?

1. Diagnostic assessment

2. Formative assessment

3. Summative assessment

4. Norm-referenced assessment

The correct answer is: Summative assessment

The best assessment for evaluating the long-term retention of students' knowledge after instruction is summative assessment. This type of assessment is typically administered at the end of an instructional period and aims to measure what students have learned over time. It often includes final exams, projects, or standardized tests that evaluate a comprehensive understanding of the material. Summative assessments are designed to reflect the cumulative knowledge that students have retained and apply after the instruction has concluded. These assessments provide a clear indication of whether the objectives of the instructional period have been met, making them particularly useful for determining long-term retention. In contrast, diagnostic assessments are conducted before instruction begins to identify students' baseline knowledge and skills. Formative assessments occur during the instructional process to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback for improvement. Norm-referenced assessments compare students to one another rather than measuring individual knowledge retention over time.