increasing class participation with technology
TRANSCRIPT
Introducing Spiral
A suite of collaborative apps that enrich learning and help teachers make the most of personal devices in the classroom
Individual Assessment of learning
Passive
Active Collaborative Assessment for learning
“At the heart of Spiral concept lies pedagogy, around which technology has been designed. This is truly transformative and will enhance teaching and learning throughout the UK and beyond.”
Ian Loynd, Assistant Headteacher, St Teilo’s High School
Participating in class is vital for a student’s development. Devoting some class time to activities where students can get involved is important, as it engages students and makes them feel like they’re part of the class.
Class participation
Class participation and technology
Technology can be used to encourage students to participate more. Using 1:1 devices drives engagement and interaction between the teacher and student.
Why class participation is important
Students can
communicate with
teacher
Teacher can gauge
understanding
Build confidence
Improve team
work skills
Students make
contributions to class
Improve communicati
on skills
Adapt teaching methods
Provide support
Building confidence
Problem: students often fear that their answers will be wrong, discouraging them from participating.
Provide feedback
Solution: provide individualized feedback for each student.
Positive feedback builds confidence
Constructive feedback provides direction for improving answers
Incentives
Problem: students don’t see any benefits from participating in class; or there are no incentives.
Reward class participation
Solution: reward students every time they participate in class – regardless of whether the answer is correct or not.
Classroom management tools help you monitor behavior, including participation.
Verbal discussions
Problem: students feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts verbally, or have difficulty articulating their thoughts.
Online discussions
Solution: students don’t need to worry about verbalising their thoughts or speaking out loud if they can respond using their personal device.
Mindmaps
Brainstorms
Forum discussions
Class discussions
Problem: students find participating in whole class activities daunting.
Small group projects
Solution: form small groups which students feel more comfortable sharing ideas with.
Ensure each member is contributing to a group project by using tools which facilitate collaboration; and track each user’s activity.
Fear of embarrassmentProblem: students think their
peers will judge their contributions to class - especially if it’s considered incorrect or different to other response.
Anonymize responses
Solution: ensure responses are anonymized. Learners don’t face the embarrassment of getting the answer wrong if the responses they provide are anonymous.
Anonymize
responses
Increased participati
on
Students can
collaborate
Students feel more encouraged to
participate
Sharing and viewing responses allows students
to build on each other’s ideas
Make all contributions to class anonymous; except to the teacher
Anonymize responses
EdTech tools can be used to help encourage students to participate in class.
1:1 devices facilitates communication in the classroom.
Conclusion