How can an instructor best assess a student's understanding of complex material?

Requesting the student to rephrase the explanation is an effective way for an instructor to assess a student's understanding of complex material because it requires the student to actively engage with the content. By asking the student to restate the information in their own words, the instructor can determine not only if the student has memorized the material but also if they truly comprehend the concepts involved. This method encourages deeper processing of the information, allowing the student to demonstrate their grasp of nuances and critical thinking related to the subject matter.

In contrast, observing facial expressions may provide some insight into the student’s level of engagement or emotional response, but it does not reliably indicate understanding of the material. Asking the student to repeat exactly what was said tests rote memorization rather than comprehension. Immediately testing with a written exam could assess knowledge but may not provide a clear picture of the student’s understanding, as it often focuses on recall rather than the ability to explain or apply the concepts.