So often we start class by setting-the-stage or doing warm-up exercises, but we rarely take the time to end class with the same purpose. We teach up until the last-minute, forgetting that students benefit from opportunities to check for understanding, tie up loose ends and correct misunderstandings.
When I began my teaching career two decades ago as an adjunct instructor, I cared a lot about my end-of-course student evaluations—but quite frankly—they mostly served as a means to job security. Over the years, I came to value my students’ opinions as a way to improve my courses and teaching for future students. However, I was often frustrated with the evaluations I received, because it was rare to find a constructive or useful comment.
