Students/learners select one word to summarize a primary text, then write a paragraph defending their choice.
< 15 Minutes

09.28.2026
Word Journal

09.28.2026
Polling
At any point during the class, the instructor can pause to have the learners answer questions anonymously. This can be followed by a chance to compare their answers before repolling to see if there was a change in responses.

09.28.2026
Opinion/Knowledge Checklist
The instructor creates a checklist of both the content covered in the course and the skills practiced within the course. Learners use this checklist to assess their interest and knowledge of each item at the beginning of a course. The instructor then uses these assessments to discuss the learners’ interests and preexisting knowledge around each […]

09.28.2026
One-Sentence Summary
Learners are asked to summarize a given topic within the constraints of a single, informative, and grammatically correct sentence. To do so, students identify the important answers to the questions who, what, where, when, why, and how and then condense this information into one sentence for easier recall.

09.28.2026
Muddiest Point
After a lecture, learners are asked to concisely record what is still unclear on a piece of paper. The facilitator collects all the muddiest points and addresses the concerns in the following class by identifying patterns/themes in the responses. Addressing the muddiest points may include a summary of the class’s responses, a discussion, or an […]

09.28.2026
Minute Paper
To identify what learners see as significant learning, an instructor stops class a few minutes early and asks learners to respond briefly to some variation on the following two questions: “What was the most important thing you learned during this class?” and “What important questions remain unanswered?” while students record their answers.

09.28.2026
Jigsaw Discussion
Learners begin in small groups where everyone in each group has been assigned to review the same information, but every group is reviewing different information from other groups. Each group discerns the key points in the material. After they have finished, the groups reshuffle to form new groups with one person from each old group. […]

09.25.2026
Gallery Tour
Questions, sample work, statements, or short cases are hung on the walls around the room, and learners are asked to actively engage as they walk through the classroom to share ideas, respond to meaningful questions, or engage with documents, images, artwork, etc.

09.25.2026
Four Corners
Designate each of the four corners of a classroom as A, B, C, or D. Pose a multiple-choice question and have students stand in the corner representing their answer choice. Give learners in each corner a chance to share their reasoning and even try to persuade other students to join them.

09.25.2026
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.

09.25.2026
Dot-ocracy
Have students place a dot sticker on a blank bar chart you’ve created to cast a vote anonymously. At the end of the Dot-ocracy period, all participants can visually assess the group’s opinion through a gallery walk or whole class discussion.

09.23.2026
Community Norm Building
This activity engages students in generating a list of two to five mutually agreed-upon behaviors that promote learning. Write norms as specific, positive behaviors students/learners want from each other.

09.23.2026
Categories Grid
Students are given a grid containing two or three superordinate concepts they’ve been studying, along with a scrambled list of subordinate items. Students/learners sort the subordinate terms into the correct categories quickly.

09.23.2026
Application Cards
Students write down one possible real-world application for a concept they are learning in class. After class, read through the cards for accuracy, practicality, and creativity. Sort into piles, and pick out a broad range of examples that are strong and share with the class.