Google
offers a number of free tools that can help teachers improve interaction,
learning and engagement in the classroom. One of my favorite tools is Google Forms. If you’re not familiar with it, think of it
as a way to create quick surveys. Now we can think of how to use it in class.
All the
data collected is automatically compiled into a Google Spreadsheet, making forms a great way to quickly collect
and also share information.
I´ll share
some ideas with you now.
- Google Forms is a great medium to create exit ticket/ wrap-up activities (a means to measure what a student has learned at the end of a lesson). You can ask key and reflective questions about the topics you covered that day.
- Needs analysis
- End-of-topic tests – you can even allow students to use Google Forms to create their own questionnaires about a unit of work. Students can then complete other students' quizzes to make it more fun! Since Google Forms is available online, students can create & answer the quizzes during lesson time or as a homework activity.
- Debate controversial topics - This is a nice activity to practice oral productive skills and build lexis.Choose a number of controversial topics related questions, the more controversial the better. Learners vote, complete form. Then learners can analyse graphs (quantities and numbers e.g. "just over half of us think", the majority ...", less than a third ..." "X seems more popular/better/more acceptable .. than Y". You can also assign roles - Ss speak for, against and moderate debates in small groups. Maybe then you can re-take vote and analyse changes.
- Survey & Check-In with Students - Google Forms can be a great way for you to check in with your classes and get individual responses. “How is the pace of the course?” “What has been your favorite lesson/ activity and why?” It also provides a safe place for them to leave meaningful feedback such as what elements of the course are challenging, how they interact with their peers, and best ways to engage them in learning. Responses can be anonymous and forms can be completed at home, so students don’t feel embarrassed to speak their minds.
If you have
never used Google Forms, but would like to, this video tutorial will help you
build and share your own forms!
