A Classroom Performance System: Using a Question-Discussion-Feedback Learning Process to Inspire Students to Think and Reason

NACTA Journal, Dec 2004 by Moore, Gary, Croom, Barry, Conoley, John

Envision an interactive classroom, where all of the students participate, all of the time. Students are posed questions, think and reason to answer the questions, and then receive immediate feedback. Data can be saved and analyzed and feedback can be related to objectives and standards. Customized reports and review sheets can be accessed and printed out for use by the professor and the students. Most important of all, students enjoy the learning process. This is a Classroom Performance System or CPS.

CPS is an integration of technologies that includes a computer, a receiver, a series of keypad transmitters, and a software package. The system is applied on the theoretical basis of question/discussion-feedback learning process. The system allows teachers to pose questions, engage in discussion and provide individualized, immediate feedback to all students.

A Classroom Performance System was tested in agriculture courses at North Carolina State University. Our study hypothesizes that the application of this system will keep students engaged in the classroom, create an enjoyable learning atmosphere and improve student achievement. Attend our interactive classroom and learn how to use the Classroom Performance System to teach your students critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Gary Moore, Barry Croom and John Conoley

Department of Agricultural & Extension Education

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC