Asking students to think explicitly about their development and future job in relation to the subject creates more engagement. This can be as simple as making a "shopping list" of topics within the subject. Students write down a list of topics that they think are important for their development or future job or what they think is not important and why. This list can then be discussed in class, with the teacher himself also indicating why the topics are important.
- Activity goal
- Activate prior knowledge | Reflect
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline | Online
- Duration
- < 10 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium | Large
- Materials
This teaching activity can also be done on various digital platforms such as Padlet, Canvas (discussion forum) and Mentimeter (open answers) so that results can be preserved throughout the lesson or subject.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Introduce the lesson or topic and specify which topics will be covered.
Step 2
Ask students to think about what knowledge and skills they think are relevant and that they would like to develop or acquire in the upcoming lesson or topic.
Step 3
If necessary, give some examples yourself.
Step 4
Discuss the shopping lists in plenary, groups or pairs.
Step 5
Have students reflect on their lists during the lesson and at the end of the lesson or course.
This teaching activity can also be done on various digital platforms such as Padlet, Canvas (discussion forum) and Mentimeter (open answers) so that results can be preserved throughout the lesson or subject.
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
Introduce the lesson or topic and specify which topics will be covered.
Step 2
Ask students to think about what knowledge and skills they think are relevant and that they would like to develop or acquire in the upcoming lesson or topic.
Step 3
If necessary, give some examples yourself.
Step 4
Discuss the shopping lists in plenary, groups or pairs. You can use break out rooms for this. Let students note down their ideas individually on their own computer, or shared via Canvas discussion forms, Padlet or Miro.
Step 5
Have students reflect on their lists during the lesson and at the end of the lesson or course.
This activity can be conducted online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.