Which formative assessment option is best for checking understanding in an interdisciplinary unit?

Selecting interactive learning journals is the most effective formative assessment option for checking understanding in an interdisciplinary unit. These journals encourage students to reflect on their learning, make connections between various subjects, and express their thoughts in a personal and creative way. By writing in their journals, students can demonstrate their understanding of key concepts across different disciplines, analyze information, and engage in critical thinking.

In addition, interactive learning journals can incorporate elements from various subjects, allowing students to synthesize knowledge rather than just recall facts. This method also facilitates ongoing feedback from teachers, as they can review the journals frequently to gauge student progress, misconceptions, and areas needing reinforcement.

In contrast, standardized tests do not allow for the same level of integration across subjects and often focus on rote memorization rather than deep understanding. Individual projects, while valuable, may not provide the same consistent feedback loop as journals, and they can sometimes isolate learning instead of fostering collaboration. Group discussions can be beneficial for gauging understanding, but they might not adequately capture individual student's insights and reflections as comprehensively as interactive learning journals do.