• A simple option

  One simple option is to ensure that the group spends its last 20 minutes together reflecting through both writing and discussion.

  • Looking inward: Who were we together? What mattered? What learning are we most proud of? What events, values, and emotions do we want to remember? Were we changed? If so, how?
    
  • Looking outward: “What of this world do I want to bring into my other worlds?” (Parker, 262). What will I remember from this class five years from now, and why?

• End with gratitude

  Expressing gratitude can enhance social, psychological, emotional, and physical well-being, and expressing gratitude positively correlates with happiness (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). Providing yourself and students with an opportunity to express gratitude can connect these positive emotions to your course ending.

  • End with a toast! Ask each student to bring in a nonalcoholic beverage of their choice (and have a few extras for anyone who forgets). Then have each student raise their glass and make a toast to the class with a specific mention of a person (not you) or activity who inspired them.
    
  • Use gratitude letters. Invite students to express thanks to someone who has had a positive impact on them.

• Final exam tweaks

  Sometimes a final exam may serve an important purpose or be required. In these cases, consider giving students an opportunity to reflect on their learning by asking them to complete one or two do-ahead final exam questions, such as the following:

  • Create an art project connected to the course.
    
  • Describe two ways in which you’ll use course content, skills, and dispositions in the future.
    
  • Compose a letter to future students providing advice.
    
  • Generate a course-wide concept map.

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