Sociology instructors have begun adding student response systems to support conceptual application in college courses. While little has been published about how these devices affect learning behavior in our discipline, research from other fields suggests clickers may enhance learning by encouraging engagement through collaborative talk. This paper presents mixed-methods data examining clicker use in two sociology courses (2007 to 2013). Survey, observation, and interview data suggest student response systems may enhance class discussions by supporting engagement, participation, and the building of empathy for diverse perspectives, but proper implementation is required.
BeattyIan D.2011. “Hidden Perspectives Underlying Success and Failure Teaching with Clickers.” Paper presented at Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching, June 2–5, Bethesda, MD.
2.
Blasco-ArcasLorenaBuilIsabelHernandez-OrtegaBlanca. 2013. “Using Clickers in Class: The Role of Interactivity, Active Collaborative Learning and Engagement in Learning Performance.” Computers and Education62(2):102–10.
3.
BruffDerek. 2009. Teaching with Classroom Response Systems: Creating Active Learning Environments. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
4.
CoffeyAmandaAtkinsonPaul. 1996. Making Sense of Qualitative Data. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
5.
DuncanDouglas. 2005. Clickers in the Classroom: How to Enhance Science Teaching Using Classroom Response Systems. San Francisco: Pearson Education.
HoekstraAngel R.2008. “Vibrant Student Voices: Exploring Effects of the Use of Clickers in Large College Classrooms.” Learning, Media, and Technology33(4):329–41.
8.
HoekstraAngel R.2009. “A Socio-cultural Analysis of the Use of Clickers in Higher Education.” PhD dissertation, University of Colorado Boulder. Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, 3387478.
9.
KeoughShawn M.2012. “Clickers in the Classroom: A Review and a Replication.” Journal of Management Education36(6):822–47.
10.
KuleszaAmy E.ClawsonMegan E.RidgwayJudith S.2014. “Student Success Indicators Associated with Clicker-administered Quizzes in an Honors Introductory Biology Course.” Journal of College Science Teaching43(4):73–79.
11.
LantzMichael E.2010. “Clickers in the Classroom: Teaching Innovation or Merely an Amusing Novelty?” Computers in Human Behavior26(4):556–61.
12.
LevesqueAime A.2011. “Using Clickers to Facilitate Development of Problem-solving Skills.” CBE–Life Sciences Education10(4):406–17.
13.
McMillanJill J.CheneyGeorge. 1996. “The Student as Consumer: The Implications and Limitations of a Metaphor.” Communication Education45:1–15.
14.
MollbornStefanieHoekstraAngel R.2010. “A Meeting of Minds: Using Clickers for Critical Thinking and Discussion in Large Sociology Courses.” Teaching Sociology38(1):18–27.
15.
RitchieJaneSpencerLizO’ConnorWilliam. 2003. “Carrying out Qualitative Analysis.” Pp. 219–61 in Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers, edited by RitchieJaneLewisJane. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
16.
RuscheSarah N.JasonKendra. 2011. “‘You Have to Absorb Yourself in It’: Using Inquiry and Reflection to Promote Student Learning and Self-knowledge.” Teaching Sociology39(4):338–53.
17.
RyanGery W.BernardH. Russell. 2000. “Data Management and Analysis Methods.” Pp. 769–802 in Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd ed., edited by DenzinN. K.LincolnY. S.Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
18.
SevianHannahRobinsonWilliam E.2011. “Clickers Promote Learning in All Kinds of Classes—Small and Large, Graduate and Undergraduate, Lecture and Lab.” Journal of College Science Teaching40(3):14–18.
19.
SmithMichelle K.TrujilloCalebSuTin Tin. 2011. “The Benefits of Using Clickers” CBE–Life Sciences Education10:14–17.
TerrionJenepher L.AcetiVictoria. 2012. “Perceptions of the Effects of Clicker Technology on Student Learning and Engagement: A Study of Freshmen Chemistry Students.” Research in Learning Technology20(2):11.
22.
TreesAprilJacksonMichelle. 2007. “The Learning Environment in Clicker Classrooms: Student Processes of Learning and Involvement in Large University-level Courses Using Student Response Systems.” Learning, Media, and Technology32(1):21–40.
