I provide my students with a studyguide prior to the exam so that they can study efficiently. Some instructor may think that there is no reason to test students even you are giving them the information for the exam, prior to the exam. I am still assessing their knowledge of the material. I may tell them for example, how sociologists define gender socialization. However on the exam, the question is a case study that they must label as such. They also have essay questions that they must complete in written format. This also assesses their understanding of the course content by explaining it through written format and applying to their life with the use of a persoanl example. It works well, and I am confident that they have a good understanding of the material.