checking for understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking for understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in educational contexts to refer to the process of assessing whether students comprehend the material being taught. Example: "After explaining the concept, the teacher spent a few minutes checking for understanding by asking students to summarize what they learned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Education

Business

Healthcare

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Similarly, Ken experienced a moment when he realized that students were not making the connections he thought were clear, "You know I guess checking for understanding along the way, but in the end it was, um, as they were building the project – that's when I realized there was some re-teaching that had to be done".

International Journal of STEM Education

Standard 'breaking bad news' guidelines include checking for understanding.

BMC Palliative Care

However, physicians expressed that the process of checking for understanding with the learner may be a fine balance to not intimidate them or to know whether they are answering honestly.

BMC Medical Education

After checking for understanding, choose a student as a model then practise as a class until perfected.

The Guardian

For instance, cueing students regarding expected behaviors, checking for understanding when giving directions and using teaching proximity to deter off-task behavior.

The Washington Post

Checking for understanding by paraphrasing or summarizing ensures that you have a clear and complete picture of what is being communicated.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Classmates and the professor can then ask follow up questions to check for understanding.

Yale University

As business leaders, it is essential to check for understanding.

Forbes

Be prepared with some follow up questions for your audience to check for understanding.

Forbes

After the study procedures were explained, each potential participant reviewed a consent form and then was asked to repeat the main points to check for understanding.

Plosone

This will allow your teen to check for understanding about certain hygiene rumors or issues they may be curious about.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting complex information, use interactive techniques like Q&A sessions or short quizzes to proactively "checking for understanding".

Common error

Avoid the pitfall of assuming your audience comprehends information simply because they nod or don't interrupt. Implement specific strategies to actively "check for understanding" and ensure genuine comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking for understanding" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It describes the act of assessing whether someone has correctly grasped information. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checking for understanding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the process of verifying comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, including education, business, and healthcare. Effective communication hinges on proactive "checking for understanding", using techniques like clarifying questions and summaries. To avoid misinterpretations, it is crucial to actively verify comprehension rather than assuming understanding. Related phrases, such as "verifying comprehension" and "assessing comprehension", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifying comprehension

Emphasizes the act of confirming that something is understood.

assessing comprehension

Focuses on evaluating the level of understanding achieved.

confirming understanding

Highlights the act of making sure that understanding is accurate.

gauging comprehension

Suggests measuring or estimating the extent of understanding.

ensuring clarity

Shifts the focus to making sure the message is clear and easily understood.

validating understanding

Stresses the importance of confirming that understanding is correct and well-founded.

probing comprehension

Implies a deeper investigation into the level of understanding.

ascertaining comprehension

Focuses on discovering and establishing whether understanding exists.

evaluating understanding

Concentrates on the systematic appraisal of comprehension.

monitoring comprehension

Involves ongoing tracking of understanding to ensure it remains accurate.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "checking for understanding" in a presentation?

Incorporate brief pauses to ask clarifying questions, summarize key points, or solicit feedback from your audience. This allows you to "check for understanding" and address any confusion in real time.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "checking for understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "verifying comprehension", "assessing comprehension", or "confirming understanding" to convey a similar meaning.

Why is "checking for understanding" important in team communication?

"Checking for understanding" ensures everyone is on the same page, minimizes misinterpretations, and fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification.

What's the difference between "checking for understanding" and assuming comprehension?

"Checking for understanding" is an active process that involves verifying comprehension through specific techniques, while assuming comprehension relies on passive indicators and can lead to misunderstandings and errors.