Tell students to put together a portfolio of all of their work at the end of the term. Instruct them to present a collection of writing samples, photographs and artwork, or to show their progress on a project from beginning to end. Teachers can then see how well the student applied what was taught since the beginning of the course.
Develop a system of questions and objectives designed for the course and ask students if they've been met. Allow for anonymous responses as some students won't be truthful -- many fear retribution if the teacher discovers their negative thoughts. Ask questions about how the teacher can do a better job of instructing during the next semester. Teachers who review responses can improve their teaching and increase student success.
Assign daily entries in a learning journal. Tell students to reflect on what they learn in class. Learning journals also allow the teacher to see what they might be missing in class or what students may want to learn more about. A good learning journal should show what students are learning and their personal development with that information.
Ask teachers after students have left the classroom if those students are using what they've learned in other courses. If a teacher gives a student the basics, can she take the basics and apply them to new material?
Monitor report cards and grades. Grades that are slipping consistently throughout the semester or school year are a good indication students are not succeeding. Low grades may also be an indication students are missing homework assignments or not attending class -- signs there may be a separate issue.
Figure out how students are doing as a whole. If the whole class isn't successful in a task, perhaps the instructor needs to rethink how he is teaching the material. If the whole class is relatively successful in a task (and they test well), then they clearly understand the material.