Active learning activities are well-known tools for engaging students and guiding them through constructing knowledge, but they can also provide a feedback mechanism for the instructor beyond icebreakers and exit tickets. A thoughtfully-crafted activity during the span of the class, especially when incorporating technology for live displays, can help you spot where (or with whom) you need to reinforce a certain point while still breaking up the monotony of a lecture, aka formative assessment.
Summative Assessment - looks at the end result, such as tests or quizzes.
Formative Assessment - ongoing (typically small, informal, and frequent) assessments that can be used to adapt the lesson based on where the students are observed to be in understanding.
Honestly, there are lots of options out there!
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