Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

This experiment examines the causal effect an electronic classroom response system (ECRS) has on students. Previous studies using an ECRS in the classroom indicate improved performance; however, many have confounds typical of classroom studies. To complement these studies, we conducted a laboratory study to minimize these confounds and concentrate on student engagement. We randomly assigned participants (n = 52) to receive a 10–minute lecture either with or without an ECRS. The lecture contained questions to increase student engagement but not provide student and instructor feedback of concept mastery. Afterwards, the lecture participants were given a surprise quiz. Students using the ECRS scored significantly higher. We discuss the implications of this experiment for the ECRS literature.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bartsch

R. A.

, & Cobern

(2003). Effectiveness of PowerPoint presentations in lectures. Computers and Education, 41, 77–86.

Beekes

(2006). The ‘millionaire’ method for encouraging participation. Active Learning in Higher Education, 7, 25–36.

Byrd

Coleman

, & Werneth

(2004). Exploring the universe together: Cooperative quizzes with and without classroom performance system in astronomy 101. Astronomy Education Review, 3, 26–30.

Conoley

Moore

, & Croom

(2006). A toy or a teaching tool? The use of audience response systems in the classrooms. Techniques, 81(7), 46–48.

Duncan

(2006). Clickers: A new teaching aid with exceptional promise. Astronomy Education Review, 5, 70–88.

Fredricks

J. A.

Blumenfeld

P. C.

, & Paris

A. H.

(2004). School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74, 59–109.

Hatch

Jensen

, & Moore

(2005). Manna from heaven or “clickers” from hell: Experiences with an electronic response system. Journal of College and Science Teaching, 34(7), 36–42.

Hines

(2005). Interactive learning environment keeps Modesto students engaged. T.H.E. Journal, 33(2), 40–41.

Kuh

G. D.

Cruce

T. M.

Shoup

Kinzie

, & Gonyea

R. M.

(2008). Unmasking the effects of student engagement on first-year college grades and persistence. Journal of Higher Education, 79, 540–563.

10.

Mayer

R. E.

(2001). Multimedia learning. New York: Cambridge University Press.

11.

Morling

McAuliffe

Cohen

, & DiLorenzo

T. M.

(2008). Efficacy of personal response systems (“clickers”) in large, introductory psychology classes. Teaching of Psychology, 35, 45–50.

12.

O'Hanlon

(2007). Press ‘2’ for ‘Not Guilty.’ T.H.E. Journal, 34(5), 52–53.

13.

Poirier

C. R.

, & Feldman

R. S.

(2007). Promoting active learning using individual response technology in large introductory psychology classes. Teaching of Psychology, 34, 194–196.

14.

Preszler

R. W.

Dawe

Shuster

C. B.

, & Shuster

(2007). Assessment of the effects of student response systems on student learning and attitudes over a broad range of biology courses. CBE – Life Sciences Education, 6, 29–41.

15.

Reay

N. W.

, & Bao

(2008). Testing a new voting machine question methodology. American Journal of Physics, 76, 171–178.

16.

Schackow

T. E.

Chavez

Loya

, & Friedman

(2004). Audience response system: Effect on learning in family medicine residents. Family Medicine, 36, 496–504.

17.

Simon

D. A.

, & Bjork

R. A.

(2001). Metacognition in motor learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 27, 907–912.

18.

Slain

Abate

Hodges

B. M.

Stamatakis

M. K.

, & Wolak

(2004). An interactive response system to promote active learning in the doctor of pharmacy curriculum. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 68(5), 1–9.

19.

Snyder

K. D.

(2003). Ropes, poles, and space. Active Learning in Higher Education, 4, 159–167.

20.

Ulrich

(2006). Remote control devices activate learning. Human Ecology, 34(2), 20.

Examining the Effects of an Electronic Classroom Response System on Student Engagement and Performance

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References