Ask the audience: a simple teaching method to improve the learning experience in large lectures

The popularity of computer science H.E. courses has resulted in the challenge of delivering lectures to large cohorts of computing undergraduates. In some cases there has been limited success in student engagement. There is little scope for interaction and feedback may be inhibited. It is generally accepted that where students actively engage with feedback, this may promote learning. This paper explains a technique, Colourcard, that is being used successfully in two U.K. universities to support the strategic goal to use feedback as part of teaching to promote learning. The basis of the technique is that lecturers use student feedback to control the pace and direction of the lecture, and to support the development of a relationship between lecturer and students. Findings from two case studies are briefly presented. The cases involve delivery of first year undergraduate systems analysis and data modelling lectures to large student groups in 2002/03.