When should instructors evaluate students' understanding according to educational research?

Evaluating students' understanding during the lesson is crucial because it allows instructors to gauge comprehension in real time and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This formative assessment helps identify areas where students may struggle, enabling instructors to provide immediate feedback or clarification. By engaging with students as they learn, instructors foster an interactive learning environment where students feel supported and can express any confusion they may have regarding the material.

Conducting evaluations after each key point can certainly enhance understanding, but doing so throughout the lesson allows instructors to address misconceptions as they arise, rather than waiting until critical points have been made or the lesson is completed. Evaluation prior to the lesson primarily assesses prior knowledge, while evaluating after the lesson may not give instructors the opportunity to adapt their teaching to immediate needs. Therefore, ongoing assessment throughout the lesson aligns best with effective teaching practices, helping to ensure that all students grasp the material as it is presented.