Collect and discuss learners’ input using surveys

Author:
What: Gather, display, and discuss learners’ responses to an online survey
Students respond to reflection prompts in an online survey prior to or after a synchronous class, as an alternative to having learners respond in real time during class. Share the results of the survey with the class to promote discussion.

Why: Share and Compare with Peers

Online survey responses can be displayed in a variety of formats, including charts which efficiently aggregate students’ responses and make it easy to review the class’ responses “at a glance.” “Flipping” the time spent gathering students’ thoughts and reflections to an out-of-class survey frees up synchronous class time for discussing and elaborating on learners' responses.

Evidence-Based Strategies

This routine is supported by the following strategies:

Purposeful Reflection Peer Feedback/Peer Review Authentic Audiences & Purposes

How: Google Forms

Create an online survey or poll using Google Forms and distribute the link to learners via a QR code, an LMS, email, or text. Instruct students to complete the form prior to class. (Note: In order to access your students’ responses, the Google Form you share must be saved to your Google Drive account and/or you must have edit access to the original Form.) Use learners’ combined results to prompt further in-class discussion. Refer to the Google Forms support website for information on how to view and share the aggregated responses in the form of pie charts, bar graphs or a Google Sheet.

EdTech Tool Types: Survey + Polling

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CR.2 Understand and Use Data

Many fixed response survey question types including ranking, multiple choice, or checklist (multiple answer) capture responses as data that can be graphed, creating a visual display of the survey results. This makes it easier for learners to analyze data to find response similarities, differences, and trends. Ask questions to help learners demonstrate their understanding of the data and draw conclusions or make inferences based on what they see, such as: “Based on the pie chart, what percentage of the class believes…?” or “Based on the responses to question 3, how many of us would be happy to…”

IS.1 Use and Apply Information

Reviewing open-ended responses in online surveys can help learners identify trends or themes related to the survey prompt. After eliciting and clarifying the meaning of the term trend, have learners review and analyze the survey’s (anonymous) written responses to find common words, thoughts, and trends. Ask: “Which words and ideas are coming up multiple times? Are these “trends”? Why or why not?"