10 Quick Ways to Check for Understanding in the Classroom

As a new educator, a strange thing has happened to you.

You’ve probably started hoarding teaching strategies like a squirrel stocking up for winter. If it promises to make your life easier, you want it! 

Well, this list is for you. Every one of these ways to check for understanding is classroom-tested, teacher-approved, and ready for action.

Are Your Students Getting It? Here’s How to Find Out!

Checking for understanding is one of the most important things you can do as a teacher. These quick, low-stakes strategies help you adjust your lesson on the fly, provide intervention for struggling students, and even see how your new instructional strategy is working. 

And the best part? No high-stakes tests are required.

Pick one or two strategies to try this week!

10 Ways to Check for Understanding

1. Exit Tickets: The Two-Minute Check-In

Before students leave, have them answer a quick question or two about the lesson. These can be written responses, multiple-choice, or even a confidence rating (1-5). You’ll instantly see what clicked and what didn’t.

Why We Love It:

• Provides a simple way to end class with reflection
• Perfect for days when your lesson runs short
• Gives students a chance to share their thoughts with you—without raising their hands in front of everyone

Helpful Resource: Set of 70 Pre-Formatted Exit Tickets

2. Think-Pair-Share: Let Students Teach Each Other

Students first think or write about a question, then discuss it with a partner before sharing it with the class. Simple, effective, and great for all subjects.

Try This: Ask students to identify one thing they’re sure about and one thing they’re still confused about. This helps highlight gaps in understanding while boosting confidence.

3. Four Corners: Get Them Moving

Give students a multiple-choice question, then have them move to a labeled corner of the room that represents their answer. Once there, they discuss why they chose that response before reporting back to the class.

Students first think or write about a question, then discuss it with a partner before sharing it with the class. Simple, effective, and great for all subjects.

Why It Works:

• Encourages movement (great for restless classes)
• Sparks discussion and deeper thinking
• Gives you an instant visual of how well students understand the material

Here’s an example from a Social Studies class:

4. Random Name Picks: Keep Everyone on Their Toes

Write student names on popsicle sticks (or use a digital randomizer) and draw names when asking questions. No more calling on the same few students every time!

 Extra Bonus: Use this often with low-stakes or opinion-based questions so students feel comfortable participating. Set the tone that it’s about engagement, not a “gotcha” moment.

Learn more tips for helping students participate successfully in “How and Why You Should Be Calling on Your Students”.

5. Class Discussions: Let Their Voices Shine

Structured discussions allow students to share insights while you gauge comprehension. Use tally marks to track participation and different symbols to note original ideas, connections, and textual evidence.

Engagement Tip: Mix it up! Try Socratic Seminars, small-group discussions, or a “hot seat” where one student answers rapid-fire questions.

6. Quick Quizzes: Fast and Low-Stress

Give frequent, short quizzes with just a few key questions. These should be easy to grade (or self-graded!) and focused on comprehension rather than deep application.

Best Practices:

• Keep it to 3-5 questions max
• Grade it immediately to adjust tomorrow’s lesson
• Make it clear that this is for learning, not for stress

7. Whiteboards: Instant Feedback, No Pressure

Give each student a mini whiteboard and marker. Ask a question, have them write their answer, and hold it up. You’ll immediately see who’s got it and who needs help.

Why Teachers Love It:

• No hands raised = less anxiety for students
• Instant assessment without grading a stack of papers
• Makes review sessions more interactive

8. Live Polls: High-Tech Engagement

Use tools like Kahoot, Poll Everywhere, or Pear Deck to gather real-time responses from students. Great for checking trends in understanding.

Low-Tech Option: If tech isn’t available, have students give a thumbs-up, sideways, or down for their confidence level in understanding the topic.

9. Emoji Self-Assessment: Let Them Show How They Feel

Have students rate their understanding using simple emoji faces: 😊 (I got it!), 😐 (Sort of), or 😟 (Help!). This quick check gives honest feedback with minimal effort.

Fun Variation: Use laminated emoji cards and have students hold them up at different points in the lesson.

10. Self-Assessment: Help Students Reflect

Ask students to rate their understanding and explain what they need to improve. Reflection builds metacognition and helps students take ownership of their learning.

Extension: Pair self-assessments with goal-setting. “What’s one thing you can do to improve before the next class?”

Final Thoughts

Checking for understanding doesn’t have to be complicated! These quick, low-pressure strategies will help you keep students engaged and help you adjust your teaching in real-time.

Brad has taught history at the middle and high school levels for 19 years, almost exclusively in American public schools.  He has a master’s in educational technology and is passionate about elevating the status of professional educators.