Making Lectures Come Alive

4. After the Lecture Activities


After a lecture is over, students need to make connections in order to retain the information.  Closing activities are essential for students remembering what you have taught them. There are four points to remember.

    • Closing activities reconnect learners to each other and the topic.
    • They help learners focus on an action plan and what they plan to do with what they have learned.
    • They create a moment where learners can celebrate their new learning.
    • They give closure to a lecture which allows for higher retention of the information because of the fun they had.


Toss It Around

A. Have students gather in a circle and have a koosh ball or some other soft object.

B. Take turns throwing the object to each student.  When they catch the object, they need  to explain what they learned and what they plan to do with the information.    

  

One Legged Interview

A. Have students get into pairs.

B. One person is the interviewer, and asks the other person what they plan to do with the newly learned information.

C. The talker must stand on one leg while answering the question.

D. After about 30 seconds, they switch role

   Variations:

A. Instead of standing on one leg, have them touch their head or some other action.


Each One Teach One

A. This is a great activity for practicing skills.

B. Have student get into groups of 2-3.

C. They take turns teaching the newly learned skill or strategy to each other.


Sing Along

A. Students get into groups of 3-4.

B. They have 2 minutes to come up with a group cheer or song about the topic.

C. On the count of 3, they all shout out their cheer or song at the same time.


Example/Exceptions

A. At the end of the lecture, have student get into groups.

B. Have the group come up with an example, analogy, or metaphor that can be used to reinforce the concepts or facts being taught.

C. Have the try to use personal experiences if possible.


Mnemonics

A. Students take the new information and use a mnemonic strategy to create a tool to help them remember the information.  They may create an acrostic, acronym, rhyme, or  use a picture-visual.