As a teacher and a trainer, I have spent a lot of time in front of groups. Over time, I have learned a variety of techniques that help me keep a groups attention. However, even when I am at my best, I always manage to lose a few students throughout the time. Sometimes it is easy to tell that everyone is not with you, but other times, it is not until weeks later through assessments that you realize nothing you did stuck. Once more, large groups can be a challenge because not all students are comfortable asking questions or joining the conversation. Even when you have students that are comfortable asking questions, it takes students time to process and create their questions. Because of this, students may not always be prepared or may not have enough time to create a a question.
To help address this issue, I would like to use clickers to bring a new level to large group settings. I like clickers because they allow the teacher to have a grasp on teaching while allowing students a certain amount of independence. My goal would be to use clickers to do the following things:
1. Allow students wait time before answering questions. For example, have multiple check ins throughout a lesson and give students 15 - 30 seconds to answer. The time allows students to really think and reflect.
2. As mentioned above, clickers help the teacher keep track on classroom activity. Teachers are able to watch results and simultaneously address and issue. In addition, certain clicker programs allow for teachers to save results and track the students’ progress.
3. Clickers allow students to feel as though they have a say in what is happening. Once more, clickers can promote student involvement and engagement. They are able to answer questions and give feedback to the teacher without disrupting the flow of the lesson.
If used correctly, this tool can become part of your daily routine. While not compatible with all lessons, clickers are fitting for situations that may involve more lecture than interaction because clickers bring in a level of interaction. Clickers are a great opportunity because they allow teachers to take interaction to the next level.
To gain insight into the world of clickers, I have visited many websites. One site, created by Vanderbilt University was a great tool. The site lays out all of the ways clickers, or CRS (classroom response systems), better our teaching. Another helpful site was, 7 Things You Should Know About Clickers. The site provided a great overview of the power of this technology. In addition to gaining insight into the use of clickers, I also researched prices and popular brands. I am still working on this as I am reaching out to schools and teachers to get their feedback.
The implementation process will be a challenge for me since I am not teaching. However, I am working with my current work department to see if I could bring in clickers for a staff training I conduct. The limitation to this is that I train a staff of 50 so 50 clickers may be hard to find. However, I am hopeful that I will be able to actually test out my ideas. I would like to bring in surveys at the end to gage student involvement and interest to help support my proposal.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
PART A - Description of Need or Opportunity
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Clickers have certainly been proven to increase student engagement...when used correctly. A couple popular brands I am familiar with are: Turning Point and iClickers. iClickers are a very popular option because they are very versatile. Colleges have actually begun requiring that students buy their own iClicker, which can be used in all courses...and that are identifiable by the student's name.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't hesitate to ask the Education Department if they have clickers that you could use with your staff....they may be able and willing to help you out.
Hopefully this experience will be easily transferable into the classroom. Good luck and I hope for a fruitful experience.
I have used clickers as both a student and teacher and I thought that they were effective in both situations. As a student, I used them in at least 10 college courses. In each course they were used in a slightly different way. Some courses used clicker answers for points, while others were simply as a way to capture our attention.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I have used them in a few different subject areas, but found them particularly helpful in math. I often would use it as a short "pre" test before beginning the lesson, occasionally throughout the lesson, and then as math was wrapping up as an "exit slip" to see how much knowledge my students had truly gained and which students still needed help. I don't remember which system we used, but it was very easy for both me and my students to use.
I think you'll find that even if you can only get a portion of the people in your audience to have clickers, you could pair them up or put them in groups of three to answer any questions you might prepare for them. In that way you would be also increasing the discussion amongst your class members. While you wouldn't be getting a true sample of exactly what everyone may know, it would provide that engagement portion that you are looking for.
Danielle
I think this is a great way to incorporate technology into all subject areas. I am looking forward to reading more about your project and how you use it with your class. I have been thinking about applying for a local grant to get a clicker set that goes with my Mobi View.
ReplyDelete