I Am Curious

Intentional Close
An intentional close makes space for participants to reflect on their learning and progress, assess their level of confidence, and identify personal next steps. It encourages participants to recognize the contributions they and others have made to the meeting or learning session and highlights the importance of the work.
Description

At the end of an engagement, participants are asked to reflect on something that they are curious about as a result of the presentation/meeting/lesson. They will then share their reflection with a partner or with their table group. The activity normalizes non-closure and having questions or concerns at the end of an engagement.

When and Why

Back to top

Especially relevant when the engagement is bringing new or controversial information to the group. It also establishes a climate and culture that supports self-awareness and curiosity. Respects participants’ learning processes and is a quick way to find out what questions they might have. It is useful when you want to solicit input on planning for future engagements.

How to Facilitate

Back to top
  1. Reflect on the current context, the demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. 
  2. At the end of a class or an engagement, ask participants to complete this sentence: “I am curious to learn more about …” or, “I am curious about …”.
  3. Give participants a minute or so to think and write a “note to self” that they will share aloud with a partner, a table group, or the whole group.
  4. Collect the reflection notes if you are using this as a formative assessment for future planning. Tell participants ahead of time if this will be the case and whether or not you are requesting they add their names.

Modification

Back to top
  • Write on sticky notes and have a poster near the door for people to add their thoughts as they leave.
  • If your group is small enough, allow more time for reflection and discussion and/or hear from everyone. It will give you and the group a sense of shared learning and help prepare for the next engagement. 
  • You can debrief by asking whether anyone notices any themes or recurring curiosities raised by the group.
  • In a virtual environment, use the chat feature to record responses for a longer discussion.

How does I Am Curious support SEL?

Self-Awareness/Identity: Participants have an opportunity to understand their own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. Facilitators consider their own and participants’ identities in the design of the practice.

Responsible Decision-Making/Curiosity:
Participants have an opportunity to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. Facilitators design an activity that leads to the pursuit of knowledge and different perspectives and contributes to attention, engagement, and learning.
Access the latest, most trusted information on SEL
Sign up for our newsletters