9 Quick and Easy Reflection Exercises to Make Learning Stick

By Shaunna Crossen Ph.D.

“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall"

Remember how the Queen in Snow White looked in her mirror, and asked, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” Although the Queen sought affirmation, rather than honest feedback, reflecting on our learning actually leads to improved outcomes. 

Thirty years of teaching college students has shown me how ongoing student reflection contributes to learning gains. When students reflect, they remember more, understand concepts better, and even get higher grades. This process of reflection makes learning active by giving your brain a workout.

Here are 9 quick ideas to help you reflect before, during, and after every lesson:

Reflect Before:

1. 3 Burning Questions: To start a lesson/chapter, list 3 questions you would like to be able to answer at the end of the lesson.

2. A to Z: Skim the chapter and list a key word/phrase for each letter of the alphabet.

3. Create a Mindmap: Use chapter headings to draw a mindmap showing how the major topics connect to specific subtopics.

Reflect During:

4. Think in Pictures: Use a visual tool, such as a Venn diagram or T-chart to compare and contrast key concepts using words/phrases.

5. Build Bridges: Make connections between what you already know and what you just learned. Create a 2-column chart, and write the headings “I KNEW” and “I LEARNED”. Write what you already knew in the first column and describe how this connects to what you just learned in the second column.

6. Deepen Your Knowledge: Create a 4 x 4 table. Label the first column “Before” and the second column “After”. Draw a picture or write a word to show how you’ve transformed your thinking by deepening your understanding or changing a misconception.

Reflect After:

7. 8 in 2: Think fast by challenging yourself to write 8 new ideas you just learned in 2 minutes. 

8. Plus, Minus, Change Evaluation: Evaluate your progress. List your current strengths (+), areas of improvement (-), and what you plan to change (▲) in order to improve.

9. Big Five: At the end of a lesson/chapter, write the 5 most important ideas you learned and how you’ll apply this new knowledge/skill.

Reflection creates a Win-Win Situation! Using these ideas not only helps evaluate your learning, but it also provides valuable feedback about what you still need to learn. So, let’s build reflection exercises into every learning experience.