Tip: Final class meetings
Save a little time for reflection, peer recognition, and maybe something fun...
Each semester I ask students to complete an end-of-semester course survey to gather their input on what should I change and what should I keep (more or less) the same, which is an opportunity for me to reflect. I think it’s also important for students to have the opportunity to reflect on their growth over the semester, and I build time for this into our end-of-course activities. Typically the last time I see students is during the final exam session, and I often ask students to reflect on the semester and what they’ve learned as one of the exam questions. Here are some more ideas about what to do at the end of the semester to provide a sense of ending and time for reflection for students.
Pause for Reflection
It’s helpful for students as well as for us to ask them to reflect on what worked for them this semester, and what did not. I often end my final exams with a question like the following:
What will you remember most about this course 10 years from now?
[This year] What is one thing you would keep about this past year (pandemic-related changes) and one thing you would get rid of?
Write a letter with advice for a student taking this course next semester.
Peer Recognition
If you have classes with small group work or peer work, ask students to do a “peer shout out” to recognize their classmates for being great peer reviewers, strong group-mates, good study partners, etc. A simple (anonymous) Google form is an easy way to collect nominations.
Peer sharing in a poster session - in my classes with final papers rather than final exams, the last class meeting is spent sharing posters about their paper topic. I want this to be a way to share information and learn about what their classmates have worked on, as well as a time to practice asking thoughtful questions about peers’ work. I provide them with a poster template and examples of what past students have done. Students walk around the classroom, asking questions of their peers and evaluating everyone’s poster. I take their questions/answers and evaluations under consideration when giving students a grade for the poster session. In the end, we vote on who had the best poster.
Just for fun
I’m not a “fun” teacher. I am not the instructor who turns every last day into a party with food and music. But in talking with other, much more fun, instructors, here are some ideas for ways to celebrate the end of the semester.
On Zoom: a background image contest. Who can show up with the most interesting or creative background image?
Bring your pet (sibling, child, stuffed animal, etc.) to class.
Go around the room sharing “What’s next?” (Picking a major, post-graduation plans, summer plans, etc.)
Create a class Spotify list and ask each student to nominate a song that represents the semester.
Happy end-of-semester!
