Closure and Anticipatory Set

List of resources that contribute to the goal of this module- http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/pte/lessonplan.htm
http://www.okbu.net/ed/398/set.htm
http://crsd.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/44888164


Closure/Assessment (taken from the first source listed above)
Assessment is what you and your students do to demonstrate that you have met the lesson objectives. It may be the practice activity that follows the lesson where students apply the knowledge they've gained while you look over shoulders and give feedback; it may be a quiz over the lesson material; it may be a feedback session on the principles learned. Whatever the structure, it should be congruent with the anticipatory set and the lesson activities.
Research shows that classes that end with a specific closure activity reflect better student performance and behavior. Closure alerts students that "passing time" is near. If students recognize that the teacher will watch the clock and respect their need to wrap things up before the "bell", they are more likely to stay on task and use their time productively. Closure may be a reporting on what was accomplished during work time, putting away materials, review of the homework assignment, questions about what happens next, checking for understanding, or the assessment activity.

My definition of closure:

The closure aspect of the lesson is very important because it gives light to the purpose of the entire class period and sets an attainable goal by the whole class. Ideally, the class is somewhat responsible for contributing to reach that goal each day and the role of the teacher is to guide students to get there and not do every little thing for them (no spoonfeeding please). The closure activity can be very brief and right to the point. As a matter of fact, I almost prefer closing my days with a really brief activity at the very least because it's not very taxing and it takes very little time, and at the same time, it's meaningful and has a purpose. What is the purpose you may ask? It is simply to give the teacher a little gauge of where the students are in their thinking for that day and gives some concrete evidence of where they are at and should be according to the standards or objectives for that day.



List of resources for anticipatory set-
http://www.edulink.org/lessonplans/anticipa.htm
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/g/anticipatoryset.htm

A principle of learning that gives the teacher the opportunity to make a statement or ask a question that enables the student’s mind to focus and make positive transfer.
(source: edweb.fdu.edu/anyfile/BaldwinD/AntSet.ppt)

My definition of an anticipatory set:

Any form of communication that a teacher can use to help stimulate the minds of the students that is directed towards the day's lesson (it can be an activity, a question that is given, an icebreaker, written response, etc.)