Which process involves measuring outcomes against predefined educational goals?

The process of measuring outcomes against predefined educational goals is best represented by summative assessment. Summative assessments are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and the learning that has taken place at the conclusion of an instructional period. This form of assessment provides a measurement of learner success in relation to the objectives established at the beginning of a course or training program.

In this context, summative assessments can include final exams, standardized tests, or any evaluative measure that compares actual performance to the expected outcomes set forth in the instructional goals. By focusing on the results gathered after instruction has been completed, this process helps instructors determine the extent to which educational objectives were met and whether the overall learning experience was successful.

This differentiates summative assessment from other processes like instructional design, which is more about creating effective educational experiences, or curriculum mapping, which focuses on aligning various components of a curriculum with institutional standards and outcomes. Similarly, developing learning strategies involves planning how to teach effectively, rather than directly measuring educational outcomes against goals.