TEACHER PREPARATION ... JUST A CLICK AWAY! USING STUDENT RESPONSE SYSTEMS IN EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS

Students, particularly those that are non-traditional and first time in college students, often are intimidated in the university classroom regarding elicited responses. Too often, a limited number of students participate in classroom discussion, leaving the rest of the students to learn vicariously. A student response system allows for anonymity of responses while also allowing the faculty member to analyze material being presented for understanding. Used widely in sciences and mathematics preparation, limited research has been conducted regarding student response systems (i.e., "clickers") in educator preparation programs. This presentation specifically looks at the preparation for teacher certification exams while utilizing the student response system integrating potential questions within curricular instructional strategies. Questions are posed, and responses are collected. Dialogue regarding the rationale of answers is then embarked upon connecting learned concepts with professional experiences and scenarios increasing relevancy, student engagement, and professor role modeling of effective teaching practices. Initial quantitative and qualitative results from three semesters of use will be presented along with "lessons learned" and future recommendations.