Barak Rosenshine emphasizes the importance of what practice in effective teaching?

Barak Rosenshine emphasizes the significance of checking for understanding throughout the teaching process as a critical practice for effective instruction. This approach ensures that teachers gauge students' comprehension continuously, allowing them to identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching accordingly. By regularly assessing understanding, educators can provide immediate feedback and support, ensuring that students grasp the material before moving on to new concepts. Frequent checks for understanding can include questions, quizzes, discussions, or other interactive methods that encourage student engagement and reflection on their learning.

This practice aligns with Rosenshine’s principles of instruction, which advocate for a structured approach to teaching that incorporates active monitoring of student progress. It fosters a responsive classroom environment where modifications can be made in real-time to better meet students' needs, particularly important for students with disabilities who may require additional support.

In contrast, the other options do not align with this emphasis on ongoing assessment and feedback. While frequent breaks can be beneficial, they do not directly address the monitoring of students' comprehension. Limiting feedback opportunities would hinder students' learning progress, and encouraging self-directed learning exclusively can overlook the need for guided instruction and assessment in the learning process. Thus, checking for understanding stands out as a vital component in effective teaching as highlighted by Ros