Collect and discuss learners’ responses to online polls

Author:
What: Elicit responses to open-ended questions using an anonymous online poll
Rather than responding verbally to an open-ended question, learners respond via an anonymous online poll and then analyze and discuss the displayed set of responses.

Why: Engagement, Student Confidence

Some learners won’t speak out in response to a teacher’s question because they’re afraid they may “get it wrong” or are too embarrassed to give an honest response to a sensitive question. These feelings may discourage participation. Because online polling tools can be set to collect responses anonymously, they can engage learners who otherwise might not participate.

Evidence-Based Strategies

This routine is supported by the following strategies:

Formative Assessment Perspective Seeking/Multiple Perspectives Pre-reading Questioning Purposeful Reflection

How: Mentimeter

Using an online polling application, such as Mentimeter, create an open-ended question that asks learners for short answer responses such as "What are the things someone might need but can't afford?” Use the open-ended poll question type and consider having the answers appear as speech bubbles. You can also use the Word Cloud question-type, but that’s best with one-word responses. (Word cloud questions create a visual representation of text where the most frequently used words appear larger on the aggregated visual result.) Share the poll via link, via QR code, or the short code Metimeter generates. Screen share the poll, review, and discuss the responses as the class.

EdTech Tool Types: Survey + Polling

CO.2 Collaborate with Technology

Online polling tools allow for immediate collection of information amongst students or colleagues and can help groups identify commonalities and trends. If using the word cloud question type (available in Mentimeter and certain other polling tools), help learners see trends based on the frequency of particular responses by asking, “How does this tool help us see which ideas we have in common? What patterns do you see? How could this tool help you when you work in teams?”

PS.5 Maintain Well-being Online

Draw attention to the concept of anonymous responses (like those gathered with Mentimeter.) Help learners identify reasons to be careful about sharing information in public online forums or public workplace. forums by asking: “Why is it important to know whether a poll is public or anonymous? What should you consider before you share information? What type of shared information could result in someone being hurt or offended?” You may also note that many survey links learners might see in social media feeds are mainly designed to engage people solely for the purpose of collecting information such as email addresses.