What do instructors often read to gauge student understanding during a class?

Instructors often read body language to gauge student understanding during a class because nonverbal cues can provide immediate insights into how well students are comprehending the material being presented. For instance, nodding, eye contact, and engaged posture can indicate that students are following along and grasping the concepts. Conversely, crossed arms, lack of eye contact, and distracted behavior may suggest confusion or disinterest. This real-time assessment allows instructors to adjust their teaching strategies on the fly, whether that means clarifying a concept, allowing for questions, or changing the pace of the lesson.

The other options provide insights into student performance but do not offer the same immediacy or context during a live class discussion. For example, students' grades reflect understanding after assessments, class attendance indicates whether a student is present but not necessarily their engagement or comprehension, and textbook comprehension relates to material outside of the classroom setting. These elements can signal understanding over time, but body language provides a dynamic view of student understanding in the moment.