Peer Instruction with Audience Response Systems-FAQ -- Peer Instruction with Clickers

FAQ -- Peer Instruction with Clickers

Pdf Summary

This FAQ addresses common questions about implementing peer instruction using iClicker clickers. <br /><br />Reading the question and answers aloud is discouraged, as simultaneous reading and listening causes cognitive load issues and distracts students who read at different speeds. <br /><br />The iClicker timer should be set to count down, typically around 45 seconds, so students know how much time they have to consider and answer the question. Instructors should allow extra time as needed and not end polling early, since some students may need more time to respond.<br /><br />The response histogram should not be shown after the first polling stage because it biases students toward the majority answer before peer discussion. The instructor can view the results privately to decide if discussion is warranted.<br /><br />For initial correct response rates above 70%, it’s still important to wrap up the concept by explaining why correct answers are right and others wrong. If less than 35% answer correctly, peer discussion may or may not lead to consensus, especially if many chose the same wrong answer. If responses are widely distributed, encouraging critique of all options can be effective.<br /><br />Questions with multiple correct answers are reasonable and often stimulate valuable debate. Using iClicker’s short-answer option to rank responses can also enhance discussion.<br /><br />If the second polling after peer discussion shows high correct responses, further instructor explanation from an expert perspective improves learning, especially for students who initially struggled. This wrap-up before moving on maximizes the instructional benefit of peer discussion.

Keywords

peer instruction

iClicker clickers

cognitive load

countdown timer

polling duration

response histogram

initial correct response rate

peer discussion

multiple correct answers

instructor explanation