In a perfect classroom, students listen attentively, eagerly apply new knowledge, and ace every test. While this ideal is rare, ongoing, engaging checks for understanding help keep students on track without slowing down learning. Here are five methods I use:
- Monitor Discussions: Actively supervise partner or group talks, ask guiding questions, and steer conversations to ensure genuine understanding. Students notice when you’re truly listening, which helps you gauge their comprehension.
- Incorporate Movement: Use kinesthetic activities like sign language for multiple-choice answers, “Four Corners” where students move to their chosen answer, or “Close Your Eyes Take Off Touchdown” to keep assessments fun and engaging while allowing anonymous responses.
- Use the Entire Room: Organize gallery walks with anchor charts or student projects, letting peers add questions or comments on sticky notes. This interactive approach reveals students’ thinking in a low-pressure way.
- Leverage Technology: Use tools like “Poll Everywhere,” where students text answers that instantly generate response graphs. This offers immediate, anonymous feedback and helps guide instruction.
- Stay Creative: Always look for opportunities to involve students physically and mentally in demonstrating their knowledge, making assessment a lively part of learning.
These strategies make checking understanding part of the learning process that students enjoy—and that helps teachers support their success.