The impact of Qwizdom on teaching and learning

During a recent INSET day, I experienced the potential impact of Qwizdom when one of my colleagues offered to run a session on the use of the ‘customer response system’ in the classroom.  My colleague Andrew had been using the hand held devices and had received very positive reviews from his teaching groups.  Students are familiar with the structure of the session from watching the ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’ game show.  Qwizdom allows instant feedback and changes the dynamic of the learning experience.   Students appreciate the non linear approach to learning and the instant feedback ticks all the boxes for Assessment for Learning and Assessing Pupil Progress.

Andrew set up a number of questions from the higher tier GCSE syllabus with carefully structured alternative responses to the correct answer giving A, B, C and D options.  The handsets were easy to use and the timing of responses from maths team colleagues generated lots of competition and a very positive atmosphere to launch the INSET day.   Each handset was numbered and rockets were sent up on the display screen to see the relative positions of each colleague as the questioning developed.

The Qwizdom session can be used as terrific starter, plenary or main part of the lesson.  Access to mathematics concepts through the medium of ICT and a fun aspect to the experience can enhance lessons considerably.   The set up time for questions is relatively short and the process of writing slides for Qwizdom using powerpoint is straightforward.   We have now set up a Qwizdom file in the maths folder and colleagues are welcome to contribute on an on-going basis.

The University of Auckland is using Qwizdom devices in their thousands to enhance university lectures.  The ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach is not just a gimmick and takes forward the concept of exciting ‘education without walls’. Sharing the resource with other teams is worth exploring and may result in some interesting cross curricular ideas.

The website  www.qwizdom.co.uk gives a clear introduction to the Qwizdom phenomenon;  the resource is a welcome addition to any mathematics team and keeps teaching groups on the tips of their toes.

Christopher Curtis    
Curriculum Team Leader for Mathematics