What phenomenon is indicated when students remember lessons taught at the end of class better than those taught at the beginning?

The phenomenon that indicates students remember lessons taught at the end of class better than those taught at the beginning is known as the Recency Effect. This concept is part of memory research, suggesting that items or information presented most recently (or last) are more likely to be recalled later. In the context of a classroom, when lessons are delivered toward the end of a session, they often remain fresh in the students' minds, leading to improved retention compared to earlier content.

The Recency Effect is a critical aspect of teaching strategies, especially in the arrangement of lesson plans or reviews, as it highlights the importance of reinforcing material towards the end of a session to maximize retention. This understanding can guide educators in structuring their lessons more effectively to take advantage of this cognitive phenomenon.