Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach.

Abstract

Current research describes the benefits of active learning approaches. Clickers, or student response systems, are a technology used to promote active learning. Most research on the benefits of using clickers in the classroom has shown that students become engaged and enjoy using them. However, research on learning outcomes has only compared the use of clickers to traditional lecture methods. Although learning outcomes are higher when using clickers, the question is whether the clickers or the active learning pedagogies are the cause. For this reason, I conducted a study that compared learning outcomes resulting from the use of clickers versus another active learning method—class discussion. Even though both techniques employ active learning, would using clickers increase learning outcomes more than another active learning approach? Two key features distinguish clicker use: ■ Clickers provide a mechanism for students to participate anonymously. ■ Clickers integrate a “game approach” that may engage students more than traditional class discussion. The study also investigated students’ perceptions of their learning using clickers versus classroom discussion.

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