What is the best way to confirm that a student understood a complex communication?

To confirm that a student has understood complex communication, having the student rephrase what you said is the most effective approach. This method encourages the student to engage actively with the material and demonstrate their comprehension. It allows the instructor to assess the student's grasp of the concepts in their own words, which can highlight any misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge.

When a student rephrases information, they must process the original message, which reinforces learning and retention. This technique also allows the instructor to clarify any points that might be misconstrued or not fully understood, facilitating a more interactive learning environment.

Other methods, while valuable in certain contexts, might not be as effective at assessing true understanding. Observing facial expressions can provide some insight into a student's engagement or confusion but does not guarantee comprehension. Asking a student to repeat exactly what was said might result in rote memorization without ensuring that they truly understand the material. Testing immediately afterwards with a written exam may not accurately reflect a student's genuine understanding, as it might induce anxiety and not allow for the demonstration of skills or concepts in an applied scenario. Thus, having the student rephrase the communication is the most insightful and effective way to confirm understanding.