Which method is least effective for Mr. Allen to check for understanding among his math students?

Asking the entire class "does everyone understand?" is often the least effective method for gauging student comprehension. This approach tends to elicit a superficial response where students may feel hesitant to express their lack of understanding in front of their peers. Many may simply nod in agreement or say they understand, even when they do not, due to social dynamics or fear of being judged.

In contrast, various other methods such as calling on individual students, administering a quiz, or using non-verbal signals like thumbs-up/thumbs-down provide more nuanced and accurate insights into each student's level of understanding. Individual feedback allows for targeted assessment, quizzes can reveal specific knowledge gaps, and thumbs signals offer an immediate, anonymous way for students to communicate their understanding without feeling pressured. Thus, relying on collective feedback from the entire class is less effective at genuinely assessing individual comprehension.