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This activity helps students gauge and monitor their learning in a quick, effective way using a Likert scale. A Likert scale usually has 5 or 7 set responses to a statement, allowing the individuals to express an opinion in a ranked order.
This activity is particularly useful where research methods are taught or where a large project, that needs regular input, is being completed.
Discuss with students the learning progress they wish to monitor and decide how problems will be dealt with.
Students can debate and choose the statements they wish to regularly monitor. For example:
1. I feel on track with my learning
2. My learning load is manageable
3. I am enjoying studying
4. I study outside of class
5. I feel connected to the course
6. I feel successful in my learning
Each week students spend a few minutes at the end of class rating their responses to the statements using the Likert scale: Strongly agree, Agree, Neither agree nor disagree, Disagree, Strongly disagree.
In small groups, students discuss their progress and seek potential solutions to any problems. (You may want to run this as a more formal action learning set when specific learning projects are being undertaken).
When students have written their list ask them to either load it onto the module VLE or, if they want it to remain confidential, take a photo of it on their phone. This way they can check the list each session. Having the lists on the VLE and discussing them in class will help students to see that they all have similar worries and struggles and are therefore not so alone in their studies.
This works equally well in large groups as it is a solo activity with a group discussion to draw conclusions.
Students will have a clear idea of their progress.
Each week you may wish to combine this with some study skills intervention activities or time management to help resolve any issues.
You may wish to enlist the support of Student Services and the academic study tutor to offer support if particular problems arise.
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