Module ID# 21
Type: training
Revised: 07/2007

Module Description - Instructional Outcomes - Instructional Events
Instructional Evaluation - Discussion List

An active student response is defined as a detectable reply to a lesson-related antecedent such as a prompt or a question. Observational studies of what students actually do in the classroom are somewhat disturbing. One study of six inner-city elementary classrooms found that students spent the largest portion of the day passively attending to the teacher and less than 1% of the day actively responding. There is a strong relationship between increased student engagement and academic achievement. In other words, learning is not a spectator sport.

Active student responding is a way to have students actively engaged in the instructional process. Research has shown that students who are actively engaged in their instruction will retain more information on both short and long term assessment. More specifically the research shows that students assessed for information after being "on-task" (listening, paying attention, etc.) and engaged in active involvement with the information, will retain more information.
Much of the debate surrounding the use of lecture-based classes as a method for teaching has focused on the passive role assumed by students in lecture. The communication channel is primarily instructor-to-student. Numerous studies have shown that student performance in science classes improves with increasing levels of active participation by students in classroom discussions. Cooperative learning techniques, classroom discussion, and “turn-to-your-neighbor” activities are all methods designed to improve not only instructor-to-student communication, but also student-to-instructor and student-to-student communication.

There is no question that active student responding techniques increase student engagement and produce more learning. Increasing student responses is an important goal for teachers of any grade level or subject area. Active student responses can be verbal or non-verbal, covert or overt, and can occur with individual students, partners, small or large groups. Active student responding strategies can include choral responses with individuals or groups, the use of response cards or boards, along with a variety of partner activities. This module will provide a basic course in active student responding. Key topics highlighted in the module will include benefits and advantages in using active responding strategies, a description of several strategies, guidelines for using the strategies, with tips and other supports for strengthening active responding techniques.

IPSB Instructional Proficiencies

Standard 2:  Performances #2
Standard 4:  Performances #2, #3, #4
Standard 5:  Performances #1, #2,  #3, #5, #6, #8, #9, #10
Standard 6:  Performances #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #12
Standard 8:  Performances #1, #2, #3, #4

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES:

At the completion of this module the learner will be able to:

1. Discuss important benefits and advantages in using active student responding strategies.
2. Summarize research related to the use of active participation strategies.
3. Describe 4 strategies for increasing active student responding.
4. Implement 4 strategies for increasing active student responding.
5. Collect data and chart the number of active student responses before and after the implementation of strategies and discuss results with colleagues.

INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS

To complete this module, you will need to:

1. Study this module on Strategies for Active Student Responding,
2. Refer to other resources for additional information on the topics,
3. Complete the “Tasks for Completion and Discussion” included in this module,
4. Read and report on two pieces of literature (web or other) related to the effective use of strategies for active student responding.

Task for Completion and Discussion

There are three “Task for Completion and Discussion” activities that you will be asked to respond to throughout this presentation.  These tasks will assist you by providing opportunities for deeper understanding, additional practice, and reflection on the content with others in your “discussion thread.”

Module Index:

1. Why Use Strategies for Active Student Responding?  (Task for Completion and Discussion #1)

2. Group Strategies and Activities for Increasing Active Student Responding  (Task for Completion and Discussion #2)

3. Paired Strategies and Activities for Increasing Active Student Responding (Task for Completion and Discussion #3)