In the Indian education system, the combination of clickers and peer instruction has proven to be an effective approach to promote genuine learning, especially in technical subjects like computer programming. Let’s explore a case study in which Dr. Deepa, an experienced programming instructor, implements clickers and peer instruction to enhance students’ understanding and application of coding concepts.

During a programming lecture, Dr. Deepa introduces a critical multiple-choice question (MCQ) that challenges students’ knowledge and problem-solving skills. Here’s an example:

MCQ: What is the output of the following code snippet?

int x = 5;

x += 3;

x *= 2;

x %= 4;

cout << x;

Choices:

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 4

Correct Answer: b) 2

Each student uses their clicker to select their answer, and the responses are aggregated and displayed as a bar chart on the screen. After the individual responses, Dr. Deepa divides the class into pairs or small groups, allowing students to engage in peer discussions. They discuss their answers, share their reasoning, and explore different approaches to solving the problem.

Once the peer instruction phase concludes, Dr. Deepa presents a follow-up MCQ that builds upon the previous question, requiring students to apply their knowledge and learning from the discussion. Here’s an example:

MCQ: Consider the following code segment:

int x = 5;

x += 3;

x *= 2;

x %= 4;

cout << x;

What will be the value of ‘x’ if we modify the code as follows before the ‘cout’ statement?

x -= 1;

Choices:

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 4

Correct Answer: a) 1

The second MCQ challenges students to analyse the impact of modifying the code and assess the outcome based on their understanding of the previous concept. Dr. Deepa projects the responses on the screen, and a class-wide discussion takes place to compare the choices and understand the correct solution.

By employing clickers and peer instruction, Dr. Deepa creates an engaging and collaborative learning environment. The critical MCQs prompt students to think critically, apply their knowledge, and engage in discussions with their peers. The discussions allow students to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and deepen their understanding of programming concepts.

Research studies have shown that students actively participating in peer instruction perform better on related exercises, showcasing the effectiveness of this approach. The combination of clickers and peer instruction empowers students to actively construct knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in their programming abilities.

Why Explain the Use of Clickers to Students?

1. When introducing clickers to your students, it is crucial to provide them with a clear understanding of why this technology is being incorporated into the classroom. By explaining the purpose and benefits of clickers, you can garner their support and active participation.
2. By strategically utilising clicker questions throughout the class, instructors can spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a collaborative learning environment.
3. With clicker responses, instructors can gauge where students stand in terms of understanding the material, identify areas that require further clarification, and tailor their teaching approach accordingly.
4. Students invest in clickers, so it’s essential to convey the benefits they will derive from using this technology. By actively participating in clicker activities, students deepen their understanding, actively contribute to class discussions, and gain valuable insights from their peers. Moreover, clickers provide a platform for self-assessment, allowing students to gauge their own progress and identify areas for improvement.
5. To effectively explain the use of clickers, instructors should highlight the interactive nature of clicker-based activities and their impact on overall learning outcomes. Students can witness the transformation of the classroom from a traditional lecture format to a dynamic and engaging space

Crafting Effective Clicker Questions

To make the most of clickers, instructors must develop well-crafted clicker questions. In the following blog post content, we will explore the importance of creating effective clicker questions and provide valuable insights on how to tailor them to different instructional goals.

1. Understanding the Purpose: Before diving into question creation, it’s crucial to clarify why you are using clickers in the first place. Are you aiming to assess students’ comprehension of a specific topic or foster deeper engagement and critical thinking? Defining your objectives will guide you in formulating the right kind of clicker questions for your instructional goals.
2. Assessing Comprehension: When the goal is to gauge students’ understanding of a unit of material, opt for straightforward or “fact-based” questions. These questions focus on core concepts and serve as a litmus test to determine whether students have grasped essential knowledge. For instance, in a biology class, a clicker question may ask students to identify the organelle responsible for energy production in cells.
3. Fostering Engagement and Critical Thinking: To foster increased engagement and push students beyond their existing knowledge, it’s essential to pose questions that challenge them. These questions should be positioned at the “edges” of what has been covered in class, encouraging speculation and exploration. They should be more abstract, conceptual, and even intentionally ambiguous. For example, in a history class discussing the causes of a significant event, a clicker question might prompt students to speculate on potential alternative outcomes or consider the influence of lesser-known factors.
4. Encouraging Speculation and Reflection: Clicker questions provide an opportunity for students to think critically and reflect on the material. By presenting thought-provoking scenarios, instructors can ignite curiosity and invite students to delve deeper into the subject matter. For instance, in a psychology class, a clicker question could present a hypothetical ethical dilemma and ask students to analyse and justify their preferred course of action.
5. Promoting Peer Discussion: One of the key benefits of clickers is their ability to facilitate peer instruction and collaborative learning. After students respond individually to a clicker question, allocate time for group discussions. Encourage students to compare their answers, debate different perspectives, and justify their reasoning. This not only enhances their understanding but also cultivates effective communication and critical thinking skills.
6. Adapting to Different Learning Styles: It’s important to consider the diverse learning styles and preferences of your students when designing clicker questions. Include a mix of question types, such as multiple-choice, true/false, or open-ended questions, to accommodate various learning modalities. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage with the material in a way that suits their individual strengths.

To witness the power of SRS or to purchase the Student Response System from LearnGlobe, kindly click on the provided link and register your requirements.

Written by

Dr R K Suresh M.E., Ph.D., F.I.E., C.I.E., P.G.D.M.M.

Founder and CEO

LPP Learning Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore-4

rk.suresh@learnglobe.in