Want to know if students know the content of your subject? Make lists of three or four words that seem to belong together, but are they really? This is because one of the four does not belong to the set of words and is therefore the outlier. Students should try to pick this one out.
- Activity goal
- Activate prior knowledge | Recap / Summarize
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline | Online
- Duration
- < 10 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium | Large
- Materials
Bord, post-its
Step-by-step
Step 1
Write four words on the board that look like a sequence of words (3 words that really fit together and 1 word that just doesn't)
Step 2
Tell students that there are four words on the board that are related to the topic of the day, but that appearances are deceiving: one word does not belong and is the outlier.
Step 3
The students should now figure out which word, concept or person does not belong to the collection of words. Have students write down the word that does not belong.
Step 4
Have students explain why they chose that particular word as an outlier and share why it is an outlier.
Tip 1
Students can also first exchange among themselves in groups what word they have written down. Walk around and then ask some groups to share their answer. Then explain yourself which one is the outlier and why.
Board or post-its
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Prepare your PowerPoint with four words that look like a sequence of words (3 words that really fit together and 1 word that just doesn't). Share your screen.
Step 2
Tell students that there are four words on your PowerPoint, that are related to the topic of the day, but that appearances are deceiving: one word does not belong and is the outlier.
Step 3
The students should now figure out which word, concept or person does not belong to the collection of words. Have students note down the word that does not belong. You can also let students ‘vote’ using the annotate function or let them use the chat function.
Step 4
Have students explain why they chose that particular word as an outlier and share why it is an outlier. You can use break out rooms or the plenary meeting. Or also use the chat function for this.
This activity can be conducted online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Possible use of annotation function.
