Which assessment strategy is most effective for visually discriminating letter shapes?

The assessment strategy that involves giving the student a set of letter cards to match on a chart is most effective for visually discriminating letter shapes because it engages the student in a hands-on activity that requires visual recognition and comparison. When students physically handle letter cards, they are able to see the differences and similarities in letter shapes, which enhances their ability to discriminate between them. This tactile and visual interaction reinforces learning and helps solidify their understanding of letters in different contexts.

The other strategies might support learning in various ways but do not focus on the visual discrimination aspect as effectively. Writing letters in the air emphasizes kinesthetic learning rather than visual recognition. Listening to the student recite the alphabet primarily assesses auditory recall rather than visual discrimination. Using a computer program for letter recognition can certainly be helpful, but it may lack the direct, manipulable visual experience that matching letter cards provides.