Which technique is beneficial for teachers to assess student understanding during lessons?

Using check-ins or quick quizzes is an effective technique for teachers to assess student understanding during lessons because it allows for real-time feedback on students' comprehension of the material being taught. This approach enables teachers to gauge how well students are grasping concepts immediately after instruction, facilitating adjustments to teaching methods if necessary.

Quick quizzes or informal check-ins can be designed to be brief and focused on key concepts, allowing students to express their understanding in a less intimidating format. This immediate assessment helps to identify any misconceptions or areas where students may need further clarification, promoting a more dynamic and responsive learning environment. Additionally, it encourages active engagement from students, as they must think critically about the material right away rather than relying on more formal assessments that occur later in the term.

In contrast to this, relying solely on midterm exams, assigning lengthy research papers, or focusing only on final projects often means that teachers miss out on valuable opportunities to understand student learning throughout the process, limiting their ability to provide timely support and adjust instruction as needed.