What is it?
Focused listing is an active learning technique that can be used to encourage students to focus and on the concept being taught. It can also be used to help students retain knowledge about course content.
Why use it?
- Can be used to measure students’ comprehension, recall and understanding of concepts.
- Helps to encourage students to focus on the topic that is being discussed.
- Facilitates quick learning and retention of key terms.
- Promotes memory, listening and concentration skills.
How do I do it?
| Synchronous face-to-face | Synchronous online | Asynchronous | Tools | |
| Student preparation | Introduce the topic as a keyword. | Introduce the topic as a keyword. | Introduce the topic as a keyword. | LMS (discussion board, announcement), Zoom whiteboard |
| Your preparation | Set up small groups (3-4). | Set up small groups (3-4) in breakout rooms. | Set up small groups (3-4). | LMS (group tool) |
| During activity |
In groups, students list all related terms in 2 or 3 minutes. Lists are compiled.
Provide any relevant feedback. |
In groups, students list all related terms in 2 or 3 minutes. Lists are compiled.
Provide any relevant feedback. |
Individual students post their lists (self-timed). Students in the group are required to provide at least one piece of feedback or comment on a post.
Comment on lists in discussion board and encourage synchronous students to review lists on discussion board. |
LMS (discussion board), Zoom whiteboard, Shared documents |
| Artefact | Compiled list posted to discussion board by designated student. | Compiled list posted to discussion board by designated student. | Lists are already on discussion board. | LMS (discussion board), Shared documents |
Considerations
You can use the activity as a:
- Brainstorming session at the beginning of a session.
- Four corner exercise during the classroom session.
- As a preparatory activity before a debate .
