Using Plickers to Enhance Student Learning in High School Biology
Location
Walsh A
Proposal Track
Practice Report
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
The use of classroom response systems are an effective method to gauge student understanding of content and to provide instant feedback to students. However, few studies are published about the use of classroom response systems in middle and high school science classrooms. The purpose of this Action Research project was to gather data on how using a classroom response system can enhance student achievement by providing instant feedback to students. The classroom response system used was Plickers (www.plickers.com), which is a cost effective tool that eliminates the need for individual student devices. During the study, increased student motivation during class warm-up was observed as well as an increase in student participation throughout the class period. In comparing first exam scores to second exam scores there was an obvious increase in both the average and median score when just considering multiple choice questions. In conclusion, the weekly use of the Plickers classroom response system enhances student motivation and achievement in high school biology by providing streamlined, instant feedback to students in a cost effective manner.
Keywords
Student Motivation, Classroom Response System, Instant Feedback
Recommended Citation
Fortney, Jennifer Trenkelbach and Wells, Mary Rebecca, "Using Plickers to Enhance Student Learning in High School Biology" (2017). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 35.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2017/2017/35
Using Plickers to Enhance Student Learning in High School Biology
Walsh A
The use of classroom response systems are an effective method to gauge student understanding of content and to provide instant feedback to students. However, few studies are published about the use of classroom response systems in middle and high school science classrooms. The purpose of this Action Research project was to gather data on how using a classroom response system can enhance student achievement by providing instant feedback to students. The classroom response system used was Plickers (www.plickers.com), which is a cost effective tool that eliminates the need for individual student devices. During the study, increased student motivation during class warm-up was observed as well as an increase in student participation throughout the class period. In comparing first exam scores to second exam scores there was an obvious increase in both the average and median score when just considering multiple choice questions. In conclusion, the weekly use of the Plickers classroom response system enhances student motivation and achievement in high school biology by providing streamlined, instant feedback to students in a cost effective manner.
