What is one effective method for assessing student understanding during a lesson?

Conducting quick polls or think-pair-share activities is an effective method for assessing student understanding during a lesson because it actively engages students in the learning process and provides immediate feedback on their comprehension. Quick polls, whether done through technology or hand raises, allow for real-time assessment of student knowledge and can gauge the overall understanding of the entire class. Think-pair-share activities foster collaboration, enabling students to discuss concepts with their peers, which often deepens their understanding before sharing with the larger group. This interactive approach encourages participation from all students, helping to identify misconceptions and adjust teaching strategies on the spot. Such methods are much more conducive to adaptive teaching than assigning lengthy essays or relying solely on volunteer answers, which may not represent the understanding of all students.