Every Student Response Strategies

Transcript: When a teacher asks a question to a whole class, how many students get to respond? Often it’s just one. What are the other students thinking or doing? Every student response strategies engage every student. This lessoncast focuses on the use of student response cards. There are different types of cards depending on the type of question and content. First we have True False or Agree Disagree cards. These cards are double sided. True and false are on opposite ends of one side and agree / disagree are on the other side. In response to the question asked, students hold up their answer. Multiple Choice pinch cards work in a similar fashion. Students show the appropriate side (ABCD or 1234) and pinch their selected response. This low-tech version of student response clickers allows teachers to gather a quick look as to which students understand the content. Whether using multiple choice or agree disagree cards, provide opportunities for students to explain their reasoning and give details to support their answer. Processing cards (or table tents) also help teachers to know which students are on track and who needs assistance. The processing card has three sides– I’m ready; I’m thinking/working; or I’m stuck. Students have to consciously choose one of the options. For higher level questions that require more than a multiple choice selection, think-pair-share is a common strategy that allows students to discuss their understanding with a peer. Appointment clocks help students quickly move into pairs or small groups. Each student gets a personal copy of the clock. The name of another student or a group assignment goes at each hour mark. The teacher should purposefully assign some of the time slots. For example, 1:00 is for mixed ability pairs, 4:00 designates common readiness levels, at 7:00 students may have similar interests, and 11:00 could be students’ choice. This technique involves significant preparation, but it facilitates student engagement throughout the year.  Student engagement is critical to making gains in achievement. Every student response strategies fuel engagement, energize learning, and improve ongoing informal assessment.