How can instructors assess student progress during lessons?

Instructors can effectively assess student progress during lessons through informal assessments and observations. This approach allows instructors to gain a comprehensive understanding of a student’s development by watching their performance in real-time. Informal assessments can include asking open-ended questions, observing a student’s execution of techniques, or monitoring their ability to apply skills in various drills and scenarios. Such assessments provide immediate insights into a student's comprehension and skill level, facilitating timely adjustments in instruction tailored to individual needs.

This method contrasts sharply with relying solely on competition scores, which only reflect performance at specific times and may not account for day-to-day progress. Additionally, ignoring a student's performance or avoiding feedback entirely would hinder the learning process, as students would lack guidance necessary for growth. Therefore, utilizing informal assessments and observations not only promotes engagement but also fosters a supportive learning environment conducive to improvement.