DIGITAL LIBRARY
THE USE OF CLICKERS: A TEACHING TOOL TO INCREASE THE SUBJECT MOTIVATION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Complutense University of Madrid (SPAIN)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN12 Proceedings
Publication year: 2012
Pages: 1450-1458
ISBN: 978-84-695-3491-5
ISSN: 2340-1117
Conference name: 4th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 2-4 July, 2012
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Abstract:
The social changes appeared nowadays in our contemporary society involve a specific adaptation in the university way of teaching for future experts. Therefore, a correct motivation for students is seen as one of the most significant aspects of that process to have in mind for teachers. That impulse is focused on the concept of ‘learning to learn’, and it is supported by the use of new technologies. The implementation of the European university needs a teaching reflection that concludes to show, what the present labor market demands: a significant learning. In this article, an innovative design is presented to show the virtual learning environmental interrelated with the use of clickers in the lecture room and as a strategy of active learning methodology. Its aim is to test empirically students’ positive attitude towards the process of learning. It is described specifically the teaching experience applied to the subject of Financial Accounting I in the School of Economics of the Complutense University of Madrid. The total sample is 77 students from Business administration Degree, taught in English and in Spanish, and from Economics Degree. The inquiries fulfilled by students and a reflexive experience of the teacher conclude that it is an extra tool that helps to increase the comprehension and the attention in subjects due to the increases of motivation. Further research about learning styles, learning environmental and students’ attitudes should be developed to generalize the results of this study.
Keywords:
Active learning, EHEA (European Higher Education Area), new technologies, students’ motivation, teaching innovation, clickers.