Tip:Review and Re-Connect

Students attend other classes which compete for their attention, so helping them re-connect to your lectures or discussion presents an ongoing challenge. Brief reminders or review of the last class session can enable students to establish the progression of ideas and issues before moving on to the next topic.

• Post "questions" on the chalkboard that review major points from the previous session. As students arrive at class they may begin to refocus on the material. Begin by discussing the questions.
  
  
• Ask students to form small groups and spend the first 5 minutes summarizing major points of previous session. Request a brief report from each group.
  
  
• Recollections, misunderstandings, or questions from review can serve as starting points for the day's session.