What is a clicker test?

What is a Clicker Test?

A "clicker test" is an educational assessment that uses a hand-held device to measure student responses on a variety of topics from multiple choice questions to complex problem solving tasks. The device, often called a "personal response system" or PRS, resembles a calculator and consists of several buttons. Students press one of the numbered buttons when asked a question in class to indicate their answer.

The purpose of the clicker test is twofold: to assess students' understanding of course material and to provide immediate feedback to help guide instruction in the classroom. By providing real-time feedback, clicker tests allow teachers to adjust materials in order to better meet the needs of their students.

Proponents of clicker tests claim that they are more effective than traditional assessments such as paper tests or oral exams for two reasons. First, because clickers display instantaneous results, teachers can apply this information by adapting their instruction velocity and focus to best accommodate student learning styles before it's too late; secondly, using clickers also eliminates the need for lost paperwork or grading errors due to manual setup and marking procedures.

Opponents of clicker tests argue that they are often costly and time consuming because they require teachers to spend extra time setting up and managing the equipment outside of class in order for them to be useful in class. Moreover, some students may find this new technology difficult and distracting, decreasing their overall performance on the evaluation. This can further limit teacher effectiveness by creating additional barriers when attempting to analyze student learning outcomes.

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