The paper reveals the impact of implementing polling software in teaching English L1, L2 students within Ukrainian and English universities. The authors investigate learning opportunities provided by means of real-time polling. The article argues that polls enable an interactive environment, immediate feedback, student self-measurement, creative topics for positive peer discussion and ideas for enhancing future classroom-based activities. The study was conducted among the undergraduate students of Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko (Ukraine) and University of Leeds (UK). The total number of respondents was 83 people. The main method of collecting data was survey of English L1, L2 students by using the structured questionnaires to determine the advantages of incorporating the online real-time polling into their lessons. Data on the inputs, outputs and outcomes of polling software programs from both official documents and questioning participants was collected and measured. Actual benefits (students active engagement, better understanding of the material, regular assessment, immediate feedback), as well as potential risks (polling overload; not enough positive-to-change teaching staff of a problem-solving disposition; lack of alignment with tutor’s teaching philosophy of online learning process) were assessed. The study reveals the priority of these tools that lies in their ability help explain complex topics more accessible, give a tutor an objective information about student understanding of the material and, therefore, provide an appropriate timely feedback.

Authors:
Oksana Hubina, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Maryna Boichenko, Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko, Ukraine

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Oksana Hubina is currently a lecturer of Academic English in School of English at the University of Leeds.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

Bookmark