What kind of assessments primarily use numerical scoring?

Summative assessments primarily use numerical scoring because they are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against certain benchmarks or standards. The primary focus of these assessments is to measure the level of understanding or proficiency achieved by students after a period of education, which is often quantified through scores, grades, or ratings that reflect overall performance.

For example, standardized tests, final exams, and end-of-term projects are all examples of summative assessments that provide numerical scores to quantify how much a student has learned. This type of scoring facilitates comparisons between students and helps determine if educational objectives have been met.

In contrast, qualitative assessments typically gather descriptive data without numerical values, focusing on understanding the qualities or characteristics of a student's work. Norm-referenced assessments rank students against each other and may involve numerical scores, but their primary aim is to establish a relative standing among peers rather than measure against an absolute standard. Formative assessments aim to provide feedback and guide learning during the instructional process, often using more qualitative data and informal scoring systems to inform ongoing learning rather than assigning final grades.