Empty Outlines

In a limited amount of time, students complete an empty or partially completed outline of an in-class presentation or homework assignment to test their recall of the materials. When finished, students can compare answers.

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Individual/Group Activity Individually
Class SizeSmall (<25), Medium (25-50), & Large (51-200)
Bloom’s Taxonomy LevelUnderstand
Development InitialAbsolute Knowing
Minimum Time to Facilitate< 15 Minutes
Minimum Time to Debrief< 10 Minutes
PDFsHere
Discipline-Specific Examples

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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Humanities
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Social Sciences
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Co-Curricular
(experiences outside of the formal classroom but contribute to student learning)
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Universal Design for Active Learning

Universal Design for Active Learning
UDL and active learning share a common goal: centering all students in the learning experience. When designing an activity, UDL‑informed instructors consider how the activity could be open to all students while preserving the core learning goal.

Physical Considerations
If handwriting is not required, allow students to complete the outline digitally.

Timing & Pacing
Allow completion or refinement after class if recall under time pressure is a barrier. Provide the outline structure in advance.

Social Interaction
Allow individual completion before peer comparison. Avoid requiring immediate group sharing.

Information Accessibility
Provide the outline structure in advance. Allow reference to course materials during completion.

Ways to Participate/Express
Allow completion by writing, typing, or using a digital template.

Online Adaptations

Coming Soon!

Additional Resources

Kamilah, N. A., Shodiqin, R., & El Sayid, M. (2023). Effectiveness of Using The Empty Outline Strategy With Cooperative Learning in Teaching Reading Skills. Jurnal Al-Maqayis, 10(2), 92-104: https://jurnal.uin-antasari.ac.id/index.php/maqoyis/article/view/11376

Rosidah, L. (2015). The Implementation of Denan Empty Outline Strategy in Teaching Reading Comprehension at the Eighth Grade of MTs Miftahul Ulum Pagendingan Pamekasan: https://opacperpus.iainmadura.ac.id/index.php?p=show_detail&id=11771&keywords=