Using Response Boards in Your Teaching

Have you ever had something that was standard practice for you and then realize that everyone isn’t using it. In grad school, I had an instructor introduce us to individual whiteboards and I’ve never looked back. So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let me fill you in on how using individual dry erase boards as student response boards can revolutionize your review games and enhance your formative assessment process. Trust me, your students will thank you for it!

Inclusion and Engagement

Imagine you’re in the classroom, ready to review those important science concepts before a big test. You want to create an inclusive and engaging environment where every student has a fair chance to participate and feel successful. That’s where these trusty dry erase boards come into play.

Why individual dry erase boards, you ask? By equipping each student with their own personal response board, you level the playing field and ensure that everyone gets a chance to actively participate in the review game. No more hiding in the back of the classroom or feeling left out because they don’t want to raise their hand in front of their peers. You can also put them in small groups.

Using Individual Dry Erase Boards as Response Boards

Here’s how it works. Prepare a set of questions related to the topics you want to review. Our use one of the review games that you already have. These questions can be multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, true or false, or even open-ended. Distribute a dry erase board and marker to each student or small group. (Tip – use cheap markers with your students because they will rarely get the caps back on or mess around with the pens and fray the tips. I use these dry erase markers).When you pose a question, instead of the usual chorus of raised hands or shouts, students write their answers on their individual boards and turn it face down on their desk. After you feel each student has had time to answer, you call out “Pens down and Boards Up”. Scan the boards. I like to give every group that has the correct answer a point in the game.

Why is this approach so powerful, you may wonder? Well, first off, it allows every student to engage in the thought process and work through the question independently. It eliminates the fear of being wrong or judged, as their answers are kept private until the reveal. This creates a safe space for students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without the fear of embarrassment. It also gives students to see that EVERYONE doesn’t know the answer to all the questions which normalizes the ideas that every student is their to learn.

Response Boards are an Essential Formative Assessment Strategy

But that’s not all. As a teacher, using these response boards becomes an invaluable formative assessment tool. While students are busy scribbling away, you can walk around the classroom, peek over shoulders, and get a real-time glimpse into their understanding of the material. It’s like having X-ray vision into their minds (well, almost!). This instant feedback allows you to gauge the overall class comprehension and identify any areas that need re-teaching BEFORE the summative assessment.

Student LOVE Playing Games

Once everyone has written their answer, it’s time for the grand reveal! Get ready for a wave of excitement as students proudly hold up their boards. This is where the magic happens. By displaying their answers simultaneously, you create an opportunity for discussion and peer learning. Students can compare and contrast their responses, explain their reasoning, and learn from one another’s perspectives. It’s like a mini science conference happening right in your classroom!

The beauty of this approach is its versatility. You can adapt it to any review game format you like. Whether it’s a Jeopardy-style quiz, a Kahoot game, or a simple Q&A session, these individual dry erase boards work wonders. And don’t worry about the mess – a quick swipe of the eraser, and the boards are good as new for the next round of questions.

Time Management during Board Use

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t this be time-consuming?” Trust me, I had the same concern. This is like any classroom procedure and takes time on the front end. You will find that it becomes a smooth process over time. Regardless, the benefits far outweigh the minimal time investment. The increased student engagement, active participation, and formative assessment insights make it totally worth it.

What are you waiting on?

So, my fellow science enthusiasts, give the power of individual dry erase boards a shot. Watch as your students become more confident, more involved, and more successful in their learning journey. It’s a small change that can have a big impact. Let’s create an inclusive and vibrant classroom where everyone feels valued and excited to explore the wonders of science.