The 3-2-1 countdown strategy is a formative assessment technique used in education to engage students and assess their learning. It helps teachers identify what students have learned, what they found interesting, and what questions they still have.
The strategy involves three simple steps:
- Three: Students write down three things they learned from the lesson.
- Two: Students note two things they found interesting and would like to learn more about.
- One: Students write down one question they still have about the material.
This method provides a structured way for students to reflect on the lesson and organize their thoughts. It also gives teachers valuable insights into student understanding and areas that need further clarification.
Examples of how the 3-2-1 strategy can be used:
- After a reading assignment: Students can write down three key points from the text, two interesting facts they learned, and one question they have about the content.
- Following a science experiment: Students can record three observations, two things that surprised them, and one question about the results.
- After a history lesson: Students can write down three important events, two perspectives on the topic, and one question about the historical context.
The 3-2-1 strategy is a flexible tool that can be adapted to various subjects and grade levels. It encourages active learning, promotes critical thinking, and provides a clear assessment of student comprehension.