Science

Points for Participation: A Bad Idea

What is a clicker? Basically, it is a class polling device. The instructor asks a question and the students choose their answer (probably a multiple-choice question). The answers then go straight to the instructor who will probably then display the results to the class. For me, the clicker (or student response system – since they […]

What is a clicker? Basically, it is a class polling device. The instructor asks a question and the students choose their answer (probably a multiple-choice question). The answers then go straight to the instructor who will probably then display the results to the class.

For me, the clicker (or student response system - since they don't really click) is the best bang for your buck in educational innovations. It is very easy for a traditional-style lecture course to use them and it can make a big difference in terms of learning. If you would like some tips on clickers, check out these videos from the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative or try looking at some of Classroom Response Systems posts at The Active Class. That should help.

Ok, now on to what I really wanted to talk about: an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education. With Cheating Only a Click Away, Professors Reduce the Incentive. Essentially, the article discusses the use of clickers in the classroom and how students will cheat with them. If their friend is absent, a student might bring the absent clicker and click it for them.

Really, the problem isn't cheating. The problem is giving points for participation. This is just a silly idea. I think this quote from a student in the article sums it up perfectly.

"If you forget your clicker, you can just leave, because it's just not worth it," Mr. Shipeck says. "It's a pain."

Let me write my own clicker question right now. Please answer ONLY with your OWN clicker. If you use someone else's clicker, I will freak out.

Why should students come to class?

  1. Maybe they will learn something.
  2. To get participation points.
  3. So the instructor won't feel lonely.
  4. There is a chance if not many students show up, those that do will get bonus points.
  5. The instructor might give away some of the test questions and answers.

Hopefully, we can all see the reason for going to class is to learn. If an instructor makes "points" the goal of course, how can they get angry if the students try to get the most points? The students are just playing the game the instructor set up.

Fine, then what percent of the course should be for participation? Twenty percent? Five percent? Ummm....you aren't listening, are you? I am not a big fan of grades, but if you give a grade it should be a measure of what the student knows. It should not be a measure of student obedience.

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