This very practical pedagogical approach involves the use of clickers or polling systems in library instruction. Instruction Librarians in Olin and Uris Libraries at Cornell started using clickers in selected library instruction sessions in Fall 2007. Widely used at Cornell for large lecture classes, clickers also proved effective in smaller library instruction sessions as a way to get all students engaged by responding to questions. The best part is that it creates noticeable excitement among the students while giving the librarian an opportunity to teach new information and check for understanding.
Generate excitement among the students. (It makes learning more fun.)
Requires a clicker for each student and a receiver connected to the instructor's computer. The systems come with software that needs to be installed on the instructor's computer only. There are a number of competing products. We have been using the Turning Point system. It works well but requires the use of PowerPoint. Cornell has recently moved to the i-Clicker system, which can run in conjunction with any software.
Instructor prepares multiple-choice questions in advance or “on the fly,” and students use their clickers to select an answer. After all the students respond, the instructor can display the class's answers showing the percentages selected.
This is a good method for conducting assessment of student learning. Clickers can enable instructors to measure student comprehension and skill level during class.