When teaching a new concept, what is the best practice to assess student understanding?

Using formative assessments throughout the learning process is a best practice for assessing student understanding of new concepts. Formative assessments are tools that teachers utilize during instruction to gauge students' comprehension and identify areas where they may be struggling. By integrating these assessments regularly, teachers can provide immediate feedback, adjust their teaching strategies in real time, and address misconceptions before students move on to subsequent material.

This approach promotes a more conducive learning environment, where students feel supported and guided as they navigate new concepts. Regular check-ins can take many forms, such as quizzes, think-pair-share activities, or informal observations, all contributing to a clearer picture of student understanding and guiding instruction accordingly. In contrast, waiting until the end of the unit misses opportunities for timely intervention, while relying solely on summative assessments does not provide the necessary insight into student learning as it typically occurs after instruction has concluded.