The time between midterms and finals can be critical in sustaining student learning and success. As we approach–and prepare students for–finals week this fall, these teaching strategies allow you to encourage and sustain progress and engagement in your course.
Late-Semester Strategies for Sustaining Learning
As the semester progresses, design experiences that encourage students to
Bridging midterm feedback to finals week through formative feedback
Use formative and summative feedback to ensure that students connect midterm performance and learning assessment(s) with the preparation process for final projects and exams. The weeks and learning experiences following midterms can be an ideal opportunity to build on feedback later in the semester; however, students will need time and structure to incorporate that information into their academic processes.
Give formative feedback – Formative feedback can help students identify strengths and weaknesses, along with areas of focus that need work. It can help faculty recognize where students need additional support to address challenges immediately (before the end of the semester).
Reflection based on previous learning
Timely feedback, coupled with opportunities to improve, can be particularly impactful during these important final weeks of the semester:
Campus academic resources can support students as they prepare for final exams or projects in fall courses. Faculty can show students ways to incorporate these resources into their learning process as we approach the final weeks of the fall while modeling effective critical and creative thinking and metacognitive practices.
Incorporate peer-to-peer learning and student academic resources
other students’ learning. These experiences can be an effective way to structure late-semester learning and accountability.