By definition…. Or rather history... history of testing would indicate that reason that we test was/is to determine students level of understanding of given material that has been presented over a specified period of time in classroom. Homeschool testing is quite different though. Certainly, when one teacher is assigned to teach anywhere from 15 to 30 students, testing as it is now is probably most efficient way to accomplish this goal. The homeschool class is different though. Very few parents stand before their kids and lecture with expectation that kids diligently take notes! At least I hope you’re not doing that!
With one on one instruction that homeschool class provides, teaching is much of time more of an open discussion of topic between child and parent. The child has all time in world to ask questions and seek answers and responses from parent-teacher. In fact, as many questions they need in order to get clarification child needs to cement learning.
Many times a field trip to a community business, library, historical site, or museum is a great way to not only answer question but illustrate it as well with a fun and educational outing! Don’t forget children are learning all time and more enjoyable you can make it better retention child will have. This type of learning is especially effective when they can relate a field trip or an actual experience when discovering answer.