What is an effective way for instructors to assess student understanding during a lesson?

Asking open-ended questions during a lesson is an effective way for instructors to assess student understanding because it encourages students to engage more deeply with the material. Open-ended questions require students to think critically, articulate their thoughts, and demonstrate their comprehension of the subject matter. This approach not only assesses what students know but also provides an opportunity for instructors to gauge their reasoning, application of concepts, and ability to synthesize information.

Moreover, open-ended questions can stimulate classroom discussion, allowing instructors to gain insights into areas where students may have misconceptions or require further explanation. This immediate feedback is invaluable for tailoring instruction to meet the students' needs in real time, fostering a more effective learning environment.

In contrast, conducting a quiz at the end primarily tests retention of knowledge rather than understanding during the learning process. Providing additional resources can support learning but does not assess comprehension directly. Offering extra credit assignments may motivate students but does not provide a clear measure of their understanding of the lesson content.