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Conscious learning notes

End the Lesson with Reflection

The last minute of a lesson can open the next opportunity for understanding.

I prefer to leave a short space at the end of a lesson for learners to revisit their understanding. Rather than repeating a definition or conclusion, a student can describe an idea that changed, a connection that became visible, or a question that is now clearer.

In my work on conscious learning, reflection involves reviewing an interpretation and considering responsibility for the use of knowledge. It is one of the ALT domains that interact with discovery, questioning, integration, innovation, and leadership.

A two-line exit card

Invite students to complete: “I used to think… Now I understand…” and “I still need to understand…”. Read some responses before planning the next lesson, and identify one idea to revisit.

A question for reflection

Which idea do the exit cards suggest needs a different explanation?

Learn, then revisit how understanding developed.

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