Small whiteboards as an ending of the work in religion. Questions for the students about the work in religion. The whole class participates. The students work in pairs with one whiteboard and write every other time on the whiteboard. The teacher asks a question and when every pair has written their answers the teacher says – 1, 2, 3 show! The students show their answers on the mini whiteboard.
All the students were engaged. You can use the strategy in every subject. It is important to have a permissive environment and not make a big deal about the answers. Everybody liked to write on the whiteboards, and they cooperated very well. The students were focused on their own answer, not everybody else’s answers. The students thought it was so much fun that they wanted to continue, and we asked some extra questions! They thought it was fun with short answers and not to write on paper. They also liked the fact that everybody was fully engaged and that it was easy and almost became like a quiz. This strategy is fun for both students and teachers!
Step 1: divide the class into small groups or pairs
Step 2: decide the topic of the activity and set the goals together with the students
Step 3: give some practical tips
Step 4: set the time for the activity
Step 5: share with the students how to collect the datas or the results of the activity
The activity increased the students’ participation and engagement through the use of small whiteboards during lessons and created a formative, dialogic learning environment with immediate feedback.
Activities began with short knowledge checks and small-group work to build confidence and a sense of safety. Seating arrangements and shared routines helped maintaining a calm and collaborative classroom climate.
This approach strengthened relationships and supported inclusive education. Initial student insecurity was reduced by fostering a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
The strategy proved effective, well received by students, and can be enhanced with tools such as Plickers.
