During the last month of instruction, after taking their second and last midterm, students were given the opportunity to evaluate the use of clickers in implementing peer-instruction in an online "Think-Pair-Share Survey" hosted by SurveyMonkey.com.
These are the complete survey results. Analysis will be forthcoming after more data has been compiled from future semesters. Values for the mean and standard deviations are given next to the modal response category for each question.
Cuesta CollegeThe following are all of the student responses to this question, verbatim and unedited (with a few editorial context clarifications in [brackets]).
Astronomy 210 Fall Semester 2008 sections 70158, 70160
(N = 41)
I. In order to receive credit for completing this survey,
first enter your first and last name below:
____
II. Recall that for this semester that clickers are used in a think-pair-share
system, where students think and answer individually, and if there is a lack of
consensus, then students pair off and share explanations with each other before
answering again. Answer the following statements which may or may not
describe your beliefs about think-pair-share in this class.
II.1 I feel comfortable engaging with think-pair-share with other students.
1. Strongly disagree 0 :
2. Disagree 0 :
3. Neutral 9 : *********
4. Agree 18 : ****************** [4.1 +/- 0.7]
5. Strongly agree 13 : *************
II.2 I explain more often than I listen to other students during
think-pair-share.
1. Strongly disagree 0 :
2. Disagree 13 : *************
3. Neutral 20 : ******************** [2.9 +/- 0.8]
4. Agree 7 : *******
5. Strongly agree 1 : *
II.3 I change answers more often than I keep the same answer after
think-pair-share.
1. Strongly disagree 0 :
2. Disagree 11 : ***********
3. Neutral 16 : **************** [3.1 +/- 0.9]
4. Agree 7 : *******
5. Strongly agree 3 : ***
III. (Optional.) Please type in any comments you may have regarding the use of
think-pair-share clicker use in this class.
"It's frustrating to have to sit and 'discuss' in think-pair-share when everyone around you has no idea what the answer is. If it is obvious that a class is confused by a wide range of answers on a question, then I think it goes without saying we have no idea what the answer is and we're guessing. I definitly felt that on this midterm I did fairly well on the multiple choice questions, but when it came to the last two essay questions I was completly lost. I have only missed one class this entire semester, I do the reading, I study for the tests and the quizzes I honestly feel that some things are not covered well in class to a point where I can fully comprehend the concepts. The clicker questions help a lot, in fact if we didn't do a clicker question about a subject I probably know less about that subject than if we had done one. This tool should be used for everything that is placed on tests, but I do not like having to 'discuss' with my peers. Discussing with classmates is a great idea, if you have students who actually understand the question and have a solid reason for their answer and are willing to explain it to other students. But if everybody has different answers or it seems like many people are guessing dicussion becomes a waste of time in class, that is when the teacher needs to step-it-up, explain the concept again, maybe from a different angle, then do another clicker question to see if there is any improvement."Previous post:
"Monster energy drinks highly contribute to my efficiency in class."
"Probably one of the best methods of learning I've encountered."
"I find that the people I ask say they guessed the answer or they have no idea, so a lot of the time I feel like I'm not learning anything."
"it is a good way to test the students to see how they are doing."
"teacher should explain answers better."
"I think it is helpfull, however I think the majoraty of the class usually guesses the "correct" answer so when we think-pair-share, nobody really knows what to say-- except for a select few. Everyone agrees to disagree sort of speak."
"I think it would be better if you would explain the answer to us when all of the answers are different"
"Its a good way to become involved rather than just taking notes the whole time."
"I like the concept of think-pair-share, i just wish that sometimes we could go over the answers in more detail, so we could comprehend and grasp. When we do do that i feel like it sticks more, which obviously becomes beneficial for us. Other than that, it's all good."
"Using the clickers is Quack-tastic!!!!"
"it is a-maz-za-zing"
"Think-pair-share is nice, because it encourages students to think to choose an answer. Because of think-pair-share, I can understand more about the subject usually, not just know or remember the answer. Overalll, Think-pair-share is a great system."
"I can appreciate the think-pair-share system of learning, but after the 2nd discussion I would suggest an explanation from the teacher to help those who don't fully comprehend."
"I like it, but most people don't get out of their seats. You should make everyone get up and move not be ok with them sitting their."
"the last two questions [on Midterm 2] were tough. not ridiculous, but just tough."
"I like think, pair, and share because it gives us (as a class) the opportunity to "think out loud", and to teach our thoughts to one another."
"I think its a great system and it can help a lot to talk to a peer as opposed to listening to the same person talk for 3 hours. It's a nice change."
"I like having the clicker questions but sometimes I feel that we are focused on just choosing the right answer rather than thoroughly understanding the concepts."
"Think-pair share clicker use in this class is very effective. Usually my class mates are able to inform me of a different way to look at the question. Most of the time i change my answer after the think-pair share time."
"I think it's interesting to hear why other people put a different answer than I did. It has given me a lot of help when I was confused. In general, it's cool to talk about the questions with other people around me, but not so cool when they are just as confused as I am!"
"I think the think pair share clickers are a very creative way for students to get involved and have fun in their class, while learning as well."
"One of me answers [on Midterm 2] with teh stars are switched ....ah"
Education research: pre- and post- feedback on think-(pair)-share attitudes (Physics 205A, Cuesta College, Fall Semester 2008)
No comments:
Post a Comment