What is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of instruction during a new unit?

Questioning students periodically during the presentation is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of instruction during a new unit because it allows the teacher to gauge student understanding in real-time. This technique provides immediate feedback on whether the concepts being taught are resonating with students or if further clarification is needed. By engaging students through questions, the teacher can assess their comprehension, identify areas that may require a re-teaching approach, and adapt instruction on the fly to better meet the needs of the class. This formative assessment approach is essential for ensuring that students are grasping the material as intended, which ultimately contributes to a more effective learning experience.

In contrast, providing detailed written instructions primarily supports students' understanding of expectations rather than offering feedback on their comprehension of the material. Relying solely on assessments at the end of the unit does not provide timely insights that could be used to adjust instruction while it is still taking place. Offering extra credit opportunities, while it may motivate students or help individuals improve their grades, does not directly evaluate instructional effectiveness during the teaching process. Each of these alternatives lacks the immediate and interactive feedback that questioning provides, which is crucial for effective instruction.