Active Student Responding and Student Perceptions: A Replication and Extension

Abstract

Background: This study examined students’ perceptions of and engagement with active student responding (ASR) techniques as they relate to student performance. Objective: We replicate Zayac et al.'s study on ASR methods and expand on it by using an upper-level psychology course at multiple institutions and additional measures of engagement. Method: The current study used a within-subjects, counter-balanced design, with data collected from 103 students at four universities. Results: Though no differences in exam scores across ASR conditions were observed, there were differences in student perceptions and engagement. ASR techniques providing increased anonymity resulted in greater student perceptions and engagement than control conditions. Additionally, extraverted students reported greater cognitive and emotional engagement with nonanonymous ASR techniques. Conclusion: Findings support some positive impacts of ASR techniques, especially for those that allow for increased student anonymity. Implications for Teaching: Instructors should be selective and critical about adopting ASR techniques in the classroom, as anonymous ones may allow for increased student engagement and accommodations for some but have the potential for distraction or disengagement for others.