Active Learning with Poll Everywhere: Strategies for the Classroom

Quick Links: | Introduction | Active Learning and Student Engagement | Applications of Poll Everywhere in Active Learning | Building an Inclusive and Interactive Learning Culture | Conclusion |

Introduction

Active learning emphasizes participation, collaboration, and reflection as central to the learning process. Poll Everywhere—a live polling platform—offers instructors a way to collect real-time student responses via mobile devices or laptops. When integrated into lectures and discussions, it promotes engagement, inclusivity, and formative assessment, transforming passive listening into interactive learning.

Active Learning and Student Engagement

Active learning requires students to engage cognitively and socially with course material. Poll Everywhere supports this approach by allowing students to respond to questions, discuss reasoning, and reflect on shared results. It aligns with constructivist and social learning theories, helping students co-create understanding in collaboration with peers.

Applications of Poll Everywhere in Active Learning

  1. Checking Understanding: Use quick polls to check comprehension during lectures. Results reveal misconceptions and allow immediate clarification.
  2. Formative Assessment and Feedback: Anonymous confidence polls help students self-assess and give instructors real-time feedback to guide instruction.
  3. Peer Instruction: Students first answer individually, then discuss their reasoning in pairs or small groups before re-voting. The change in responses reveals conceptual growth.
  4. Promoting Discussion and Critical Thinking: Open-ended or controversial questions encourage dialogue and perspective-taking, supporting inclusive and critical learning.
  5. Review and Exam Preparation: Interactive quizzes create opportunities for retrieval practice—an evidence-based strategy that strengthens memory.
  6. Reflection and Exit Tickets: End-of-class polls such as “What concept remains unclear?” encourage reflection and give instructors insights into student learning outcomes.

Building an Inclusive and Interactive Learning Culture

Poll Everywhere’s anonymity allows all students to participate, including those less likely to speak out. This helps create equitable participation and community. Over time, using Poll Everywhere builds a classroom culture centered on curiosity and feedback. Poll data can also inform curriculum adjustments and teaching improvements.

Conclusion

Poll Everywhere transforms passive classrooms into active learning environments. Beyond simple polling, it deepens understanding, promotes inclusion, and helps educators make learning visible. When aligned with sound pedagogy, it becomes a cornerstone of evidence-based teaching.

References

  • Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment. Phi Delta Kappan, 80(2), 139–148.
  • Bonwell, C. C., & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 1.
  • Freeman, S., et al. (2014). Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics. PNAS, 111(23), 8410–8415.
  • Mazur, E. (1997). Peer Instruction: A User’s Manual. Prentice Hall.
  • Prince, M. (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231.
  • Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20–27.
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

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