Denise Magner of the Chronicle reminds us to not waste those final minutes trying to cram in eight more points or call out as many reminders as possible. Here are two tips she gives, based on a piece by James Lang
- The minute paper. Wrap up the formal class period a few minutes early, and pose two questions to your students: (1) What was the most important thing you learned today? And (2) what question still remains in your mind? Students benefit from recalling the day’s material and putting it in their own words. Plus, reading their responses, even if you don’t grade them, will give you a quick picture of how well the class went.
- Closing connections. Finish class five minutes early, and tell students they can leave when they have identified five ways in which the day’s material appears in contexts outside the classroom. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they can come up with examples.