Closure: How to end a lesson leaving a lasting impression
(15 activities)
Cornell NotesStudents write on the left side: KEY POINTS, on the right side: NOTES of key points, at the bottom: a SUMMARY of the lesson. |
Exit SlipStudents answer a question on a piece of paper that is their exit slip to leave class. |
FishbowlStudent writes one question they have about the topic of the lesson. This can be something for which they know the answer or for which they want an answer. Student shares the question with the person next to them to see if they know the answer, switch who is asking the question. |
Postcards to absent studentsSummarizing main points of lesson. |
Quick doodlesDoodle / draw two or three concepts presented in the lesson may include words or numbers. |
Quiz WriterStudents prepare a short quiz that includes the answers. A concrete questions and a higher order thinking open-ended question. |
Real Life ScenarioStudents are asked to apply new concepts to real life scenario(s). |
Reflective JournalingEach day students write about two things they learned. This could be an ongoing part of the course resulting in a semester of reflective summaries. |
Round AboutCall on students one at a time to state what they learned and will take away from the lesson. No one can repeat what someone else said. So instructor can differentiate calling on struggling students first and challenging the last students to answer. |
The five W’sStudents explain the who, what, where, when, why and how of the lesson. |
Thumbs up thumbs downPose some questions that can be answered thumbs up, thumbs down, thumbs sideways. This can be done throughout the lesson for very quick feedback on student progress. |
Whip AroundStudents quickly and verbally share one thing they learned in the class today. You can have them toss a ball from one to another to answer.
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Think-Pair-ShareStudents answer a question independently (silently in their head) then pair up and share their reflection. |
Why Care?Students explain relevance of the concept(s) to their life or how they might use the information. |
3-2-1Students write 3 things they learned, 2 things they have a question about, 1 thing they want the instructor to know. |
These closure activities have been adapted from Asst. Professor Natasha Yates New Orleans, 2019 The Teaching Professor Conference.