Have the students write an evaluation of both their work and of the course at the end of the semester or year. Doing so will allow you to gauge how much the student learned, but also areas that are problems for many students and need to be improved upon. Some teachers will allow students to give themselves a grade, depending upon the course. If you do so, have the students write why they deserve that particular grade.
Using a rubric provides students with a larger view of their work. For example, you could assign students a different score for grammar, content and clarity in a writing assignment. By doing so, the students will see how a low or high score in one area affects the productivity of their work as a whole. Provide a copy of the rubric to the students before they complete the assignment, so that they know exactly what is expected of them.
Evaluate your student's learning with performance activities. For example, in a language class, have them perform a dance by following instructions in the target language. Ask the students to put together a play that mimics a dialogue in a play they just read or to recreate an older novel or play for modern times. In a history class, have them conduct interviews with one another on some current events in front of the class.
End of the year or quarterly projects also act as effective assessment tools. Stray away from the typical research and presentation style, and offer some other options to your students. In a theater elective course, ask the students to design a costume or prop for a classroom play. Have them put together an advice column to students seeking help with common writing problems, or a brochure based on a recent locale of study in a history course.