Last Week, Best Week: Class Dismissed
Ending Classes With Intentionality and Energy
Think back to week one of the semester. You had that first-day energy, your welcome video was polished, and your "Start Here" module practically sparkled.
Fast forward to now, as we near the end of a semester, and it can feel like a sprint to the finish line. Your to-do list is growing, student emails are piling up, and the truth is that enthusiastic energy from week one feels like a distant memory. Finding time for a meaningful course conclusion might seem like a luxury we can't afford.
But the last week of class isn't just another checkbox—it's our encore performance. And like any good encore, it doesn't have to be elaborate to be meaningful.
Last semester, I experimented with what I call the "Greatest Hits Review." Instead of creating a comprehensive study guide, I developed a simple thematic outline highlighting our key concepts. But here's the twist: I hosted a quick virtual review session where students could drop in and out, asking questions and making connections. The energy was different from my usual office hours, and there was a sense of coming full circle.
I also had students revisit their week one introductory posts and reflect on how their perspectives had shifted. Their reflections seemed to surprise them. One student wrote, "I came in thinking this was just another required course, but now I see how it connects to everything else I'm learning." That's the kind of lasting impression we're aiming for.
But perhaps the most impactful change was the simplest: the farewell discussion thread. Taking just fifteen minutes to record a brief message and open an “End of Class” Discussion allowed space to share favorite moments from the semester, celebrate student achievements, and suggest ways to stay connected professionally. This low-stake activity helped provide closure to the semester.
Before Your Next Class:
Teaching moments have a curious way of echoing forward. While the essays, formulas, and proper citation formats might fade from recollection, those final class interactions shape how students approach their next academic challenge. Your students are listening. More importantly, you've earned this moment to bring your semester's story to a close on your terms. Block off time this week for course design (yes, right now – open that calendar). Find your thirty minutes. Choose your ending. The stage is yours; let’s end it on a high note!
Share this with that professor who turns course wrap-ups into highlight reels, and SUBSCRIBE for bite-sized strategies delivered straight to your inbox. We're in this semester together.
