Interactive Classroom Using Clickers

Abstract

Short of utilizing a flipped classroom approach, getting all students involved in classroom discussions and working out solutions to questions presented in class is a challenge. As with many science and math courses, students can learn the content best through practice and application, especially in terms of understanding mathematical relationships associated with scientific laws. I have always tried to include sample questions in class, illustrating the thought process and steps required to solve a particular problem, but I found many students were not participating or volunteering their thoughts or answers to questions presented. With the introduction of audience response systems, or clickers, I have made the effort to increase classroom participation and student interactions in my introductory and general chemistry classes. In this presentation, I will introduce my approach and provide different methods used to give students credit for their participation. I will also present some data gathered through student surveys related to how the clickers have influenced their learning and motivation towards the course.