What should be done at the end of every lecture?

The appropriate action at the end of every lecture is to express gratitude to the instructor by saying, "Sir/Ma'am, Thank you, Sir/Ma'am." This practice reflects respect and appreciation for the effort the instructor has put into delivering the lecture. It reinforces the importance of acknowledging the time and knowledge shared by educators, which is a fundamental aspect of maintaining professionalism in an academic or military environment. Demonstrating this courtesy also contributes to a positive classroom culture and can help establish a rapport between students and instructors, which is important for a constructive learning atmosphere.

While applause is a sign of appreciation, it may not convey the same level of respect and formality as a verbal acknowledgment in the context of military or structured training environments. Taking notes is a valuable activity during the lecture itself but doesn’t address concluding the session. Engaging in casual conversation with classmates, although a common practice, does not align with the focus on structured respect at the end of an instructional session.