My last two strategies are the "K-W-L" Chart and "Admit and Exit Slips." The K-W-L is a great way to access prior knowledge by seeing what students already think they know. It also helps students think ahead to what they think they may read and what questions they have about a certain topic. It can be used as an assessment tool, as the L is for what students have learned after reading or researching a certain topic.
The other strategy is Admit and Exit slips. These can be used with just about any subject. After reading a certain book, teachers can have students write a question, something they have learned, or something that they found interesting on a slip of paper or an index card. This slip can be used as a ticket out of the door or a ticket in to class. It can be used as an assessment tool, or as a way just for teachers to see what students are thinking about and how they can better construct a lesson.
I have used both strategies successfully-students really enjoy doing the Admit and Exit slips, though, because it is something different.