Checking for understanding should happen continuously throughout a lesson, not just at the end. Use quick strategies like thumbs up/down, whiteboards, think-pair-share, cold calling, and observation. Ask questions at various cognitive levels, watch for confusion signals, and be prepared to reteach or adjust based on what you observe. The goal is catching misunderstandings before they become ingrained.
Key Points
- Check understanding multiple times per lesson
- Use quick, low-stakes assessment methods
- Ask questions at various cognitive levels
- Watch for non-verbal confusion signals
- Be prepared to reteach immediately
- Use technology for instant feedback when available
AI lesson plan generators build check-for-understanding moments into every lesson. TeachMap AI includes specific formative assessment strategies at key points throughout the lesson, ensuring you have planned opportunities to gauge student learning and adjust instruction.