What method can educators use to effectively assess student understanding during a lesson?

Using questioning and observing students is an effective method for assessing understanding during a lesson because it allows educators to gather immediate feedback on students' comprehension and engagement. This dynamic approach provides teachers with the opportunity to ask targeted questions that can gauge students' grasp of the material in real-time. By observing students' responses and body language, educators can identify misunderstandings or confusion, allowing for corrective instruction right away.

This method can also foster a more interactive classroom environment, encouraging student participation and dialogue. It caters to varying learning styles, as some students may articulate their understanding verbally, while others may express it through non-verbal cues or collaborative engagement with peers. This variety gives educators a holistic view of each student's learning progress.

Additionally, questioning can come in many levels of complexity, from factual recall to higher-order thinking questions, which can help educators assess not just what students know but how well they can apply or analyze that knowledge. Observations can also help in understanding the social dynamics of the classroom, such as group interactions or individual participation, which can further inform instructional strategies.