Clicker polling

Definition

Clicker polling is a polling method typically used in large classrooms or conference halls where respondents use a special device called a clicker, or an app or website with similar functionality, to submit an option of choice from a specific list of options provided. Clicker polling may be used for multiple-choice questions (MCQs), including survey multiple-choice questions, to gather rapid feedback.

Example

The following lecture from MIT OpenCourseWare makes use of single-round clicker polling for MCQs at multiple points in the lecture. Results at the aggregate level are displayed.

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• The first clicker question, around 00:30 - 01:30, is not discussed, because the vast majority of students get it correct.
• The second clicker question, around 01:30 - 03:30, is first attempted, and then the instructor explains the question to the class. Both these questions happen before the instructor begins with the regular lecture.
• There are other clicker questions interspersed with the lecture -- to locate them, watch the lecture on YouTube, and search for the word "clicker" in the interactive transcript.

Parameters

Anonymity and openness

• Anonymity at the individual level from the teacher
• Anonymity at the individual level from fellow students
• Whether the polling is open at the group level, i.e., whether the aggregate responses are made available
• Whether the list of questions and individual or aggregate responses are archived in a form that the teacher and/or students can access later