To get a clearer picture of what a student knows, you can use a variety of assessment methods. Here are some strategies:

1. **Formative Assessments**: These are ongoing assessments that provide feedback during the learning process.
- **Quizzes and Exit Tickets**: Short quizzes or exit tickets at the end of class to check understanding.
- **Observations**: Watching students as they work on tasks or participate in discussions.
- **Peer Assessments**: Having students evaluate each other’s work.

2. **Summative Assessments**: These are evaluations at the end of a unit or course to measure what has been learned.
- **Tests and Exams**: Traditional exams to assess overall knowledge.
- **Projects and Presentations**: Students demonstrate their understanding through projects or presentations.

3. **Self-Assessments**: Encourage students to reflect on their own learning.
- **Reflection Journals**: Students write about what they have learned and what they still need to understand.
- **Self-Evaluation Forms**: Provide structured forms for students to evaluate their own performance.

4. **Diagnostic Assessments**: These help identify students' strengths and weaknesses before starting a new topic.
- **Pre-assessments**: Quick assessments given at the beginning of a unit to gauge prior knowledge.

5. **Informal Conversations**: Engage in one-on-one conversations with students to understand their thought processes.
- **Think-Alouds**: Have students verbalize their thinking as they solve problems.

6. **Portfolios**: Collect samples of students’ work over time to show progress and understanding.
- **Digital Portfolios**: Use online platforms to store and organize student work.

7. **Group Discussions and Collaborative Work**: Observe how students interact and collaborate with peers.
- **Group Projects**: Assign group tasks to see how students contribute and work together.

8. **Concept Maps and Mind Maps**: Have students create visual representations of their understanding.
- **Flowcharts and Diagrams**: Use these to illustrate processes or relationships between concepts.

9. **Real-World Applications**: Assess how well students can apply what they've learned to real-world scenarios.
- **Case Studies**: Analyze real-life situations to see application of knowledge.

By using a combination of these methods, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of what the student knows and where they might need additional support.