4 Unique Ways to Increase Feedback In Class

The benefits of feedback in today’s age can provide educators and students clear guidance on performance, self-awareness and can often lead to enthusiasm while learning. However, the delivery of content takes place very differently today than it did ten years ago.

[taq]The classroom has become youtube, social media, and other media outlets that encourage immediate answers, feedback, and a sense of satisfaction for the learner.[/taq]

One innovative way to better interact and get real-time feedback in today’s classroom is via polls. Through polls, the closest learners and even the most participative students can be heard. Through polling, you invite your students to directly interact with content and participate with you while you also gain live results on your pedagogical style.

Whether you are currently using technology in your classroom or not, polls are an excellent way to get an accurate overview of your course retention of the material. Many educators and students find polls an engaging, fun way to make lecture time a bit more dynamic. Here are a few reasons why you should ask for feedback during class time using polls.

1. Gain an in-depth understanding of content retention:

“Anyone have a question?” Does this question sound familiar? Does it bring back memories of students silently staring back at you with blank expressions?  Do they truly understand the material? If you wonder whether or not students understand the lecture or specific content, then poll them. You will get raw feedback on how well your students are retaining the material and what topics you need to go over again.

2. Attach a concept and an image:

There is a real value when adding images to content; we are visual creatures. When testing your students, push towards polling them with pictures (if possible). An image allows a user to better retain and understand concepts.

3. Collect great insight and tips:

Gain tips and insights on lectures that worked better than others with your student.  Get real feedback through anonymous polls. Allow closet-learners to have a voice in your classroom. Anonymous polls can also help you understand which materials worked best while saving you time when preparing for your next lesson!

4. Improve motivation: 

Give students the extra push they need during or after the lecture. Giving them real-time feedback on content can allow them to gain confidence in their knowledge of the material and perform better in your course. When you understand your students’ shortcomings and strengths, the results can be rewarding. As a result, you have students proactively analyzing, reviewing, and retaining content for exams and beyond.

Polls can improve the flow of your class time while giving you accurate and live feedback. It is a way to increase the retention of the material via images, open-ended questions, multiple-choice, or merely anonymous responses. Truth is, now students can take polls from their computers, tablets, or phones, making it easier to get feedback in large classrooms and/or small ones, you decide!