Start, Stop, Continue Retrospective

At the end of a group project or training session, students write on sticky notes what they should start doing, stop doing, and keep doing, then sort them on a wall chart. Students practice group self-assessment and continuous improvement.

How to play

1. Before class, tape three sheets of butcher paper to the wall labeled START, STOP, and CONTINUE, about 6 feet apart.
2. Students, in their work groups of 4 or 5, get sticky notes and one marker each (1 minute).
3. In silence for 3 minutes, each student writes at least one note for each column, with one short idea per note.
4. Each group sticks its notes on the wall; if an idea is already there, the new note goes on top of it to show it repeats (1 minute).
5. One volunteer per column reads aloud the three most repeated ideas while everyone else stands and stretches their shoulders and neck (2 minutes).
6. Each group picks one START action for next class and writes it in their notebook or project sheet (1 minute).

Rules

• Notes describe actions by the group or yourself, never a specific person's name.
• Writing is silent so everyone thinks on their own.
• Walk slowly to the wall and take turns posting notes, with no pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a classmate brings the chart over, or place a copy on a table at the student's height.
• Visual impairment: use large notes and thick markers, and a classmate reads the posted notes aloud.
• Students who lack confidence writing: they can draw a symbol or dictate their idea to a partner.

Learning goals

• Evaluate how the group worked during a movement project.
• Propose specific actions to improve next class.
• Recognize the habits worth keeping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sticky notes: 100
• markers: 25
• butcher paper: 3

Teacher tip

Take a photo of the chart and bring it back at the start of next class to check whether the action happened. If you get vague complaints, ask students to rewrite them as actions: from "we were disorganized" to "assign roles before we start."

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