Did you Know?

JiTT has been student-tested for five semesters, with encouraging attitudinal and cognitive results.> read more

Success Stories

Data show significant improvements in understanding when PI is used rather than the traditional lecture method. >read more

Video FAQs from the DVD

2 Students looking up

Is Peer Instruction (PI) more effective than the traditional lecture method?

Answer: Yes, data show significant improvements in understanding.

  • Recommendations:
  • Collect data
  • Compare data before and after implementing PI
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2 Students looking up

Does PI teach quantitative problem solving?

Answer: Data show that better understanding leads to better problem solving.

  • Recommendations:
  • Quantitative problems on homework
  • Homework assistance
  • Conceptual and quantitative problems on exams
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2 Students looking up

Will PI work in my institution?

Answer: Yes, users have successfully implemented PI in a broad range of institutions and disciplines.

  • Recommendations:
  • Set realistic goals
  • Adjust ConcepTest level to your students (see FAQ 10)
  • Motivate your students (see FAQ 9)
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2 Students looking up

How does PI help students learn from their peers?

Answer: It allows them to articulate their thoughts.

  • Recommendations:
  • Conceptual understanding
  • Problem solving skills
  • Retention of the material
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2 Students looking up

Can I cover all the materials if I teach with PI?

Answer: Yes, because you don't have to cover everything in class.

  • Recommendations:
  • Focus on key points
  • Use reading to increase coverage
  • Use all elements to cover the syllabus
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2 Students looking up

Is it more work to prepare for an interactive course?

Answer: No, because there are many available resources.

  • Recommendations:
  • Use ConcepTest collections
  • Share your material
  • Re-use your ConcepTests
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2 Students looking up

What will happen to my end of semester ratings?

Answer: Users report no negative change in their ratings.

  • Recommendations:
  • Motivate students at the beginning of the course
  • Provide early opportunities for student feedback
  • Make exams reflect goals of the course
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2 Students looking up

How well do reading assignments work?

Answer: Students will read before class, provided you require it.

  • Recommendations:
  • Explain time commitment
  • Assign reading consistently
  • Tailor lecture to readers
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2 Students looking up

How do I motivate my students to participate?

Answer: Encourage your students to participate in interactive learning.

  • Recommendations:
  • Explain method
  • Use feedback to plan lectures
  • Reflect in-class questions on exams
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2 Students looking up

What makes an effective ConcepTest?

Answer: An effective ConcepTest addresses common misconceptions and challenges students appropriately.

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2 Students looking up

How do I control the students in a PI class?

Answer: PI Users report no problems controlling students.

  • Recommendations:
  • Engage students at the right level
  • Use microphone or signal to get attention
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2 Students looking up

How do I overcome resistance to the method?

Answer: There are many ways to overcome resistance from students and colleagues.

  • Recommendations:
  • Explain method
  • Reflect conceptual thinking on exams
  • Collect data and compare performance
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