Use Reflection Signs to Sum Up & Celebrate Learning

Looking for an efficient and effective way for classes to reflect upon what they've learned that works for introverts and extroverts alike. Then you might want to try this fun reflection sign technique. 

At the conclusion of a workshop, class, or unit, ask participants to speak in pairs or small groups about what they learned that they are excited to put into practice. Give participants an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper with a reflection prompt.  This helps them keep their reflections focused and concise.  They record their reflection then share however the teacher/facilitator thinks would best work.  

Two options are:

1. Circle Up:
   Students stand in a circle and hold up their reflection sign.
2. Exit Ticket: The exit ticket for the class requires students to come up individually or in pairs holding up their reflection sign for a photo opp, then place it on the end-of-study bulletin board.

Student Voice

What is nice about this reflection is that it gives everyone a voice, even if they don't choose to use their voice. Students are given time to read the signs around the circle or on the bulletin board. Anyone is invited to speak up to share more.  After the activity students are invited to talk with one another about their reflections.

Remember Your ABCs (Always Be Capturing)

The reflections can be captured using technology.  Below you can see this as a video or posted on a bulletin board. This gives participants a useful way to remember what they learned after they learned it.  If you're doing this with school age students, you can share it with parents using their preferred method i.e. Facebook, Remind, ClassStory, etc, to give them a lens into the classroom.  

Video created by Sean Arnold

Here are some photos of participants with their signs:

Here are the signs posted on the bulletin board. 

See all the reflections here.

Consider This: Icebreaker Activity

How might you use this activity as an icebreaker?  Perhaps there is a question you ask at the beginning of a learning even that people respond to in the same way.  It could be interesting to see the responses at the beginning verses the end.  The other benefit with this type of icebreaker is it honors both introverts and extroverts and contributes something meaningful to the learning experience.