Random Name Software

There is a fool-proof way to eliminate bias in the classroom. Teachers may now use handheld computers to randomly call on students fairly.

Would you pay close attention in class if you knew you would probably not be called on? Ummm, probably not. Especially if you were not the fastest processor and surrounded by several that were. How would things change if you knew that you had a 100% chance of being asked to answer questions each and every class?

A University of Florida researcher discovered technology that allows teachers to not favor students. An inexpensive computer may be programmed in Microsoft Office and Excel to randomly select students names. Do you want to make sure teachers don't favor students when calling on them in class? Try using a hand held computer.

Who Do Teachers Call On?

Research statistics show that math teachers call on white males more than girls or minorities. They not only call on white males more often but respond to them differently when they give answers. Therefore, white males have a different classroom experience than females and minorities--even if in the same classroom.

Research Results?

Eschoolnews.com reports that teachers find students pay attention better knowing that their name may pop up randomly on a computer. Prior to using the handheld computers, students quickly learned that a select group of students are called on for the correct answers. The others can relax and "check out" for a while. The handheld computer puts a stop to that. Everyone gets an equal opportunity to become a contributor to class discussion. Even if a student is asked a question, the name remains in the system and could come up again within the same class period. Therefore, students can not stop paying attention after answering a question.

Added Perks

In order for all students to be able to answer questions, some other things need to be going on, as well. Teachers noticed that the following were happening with the use of the computer.

• Students were paying attention more,
• being better prepared for class,
• staying focused, and
• doing homework.

Those are very positive student changes. Teachers also noticed changes in themselves. They were more patient and asked more probing questions. Jerome Dancis, a University of Maryland math professor emeritus, said this research is important because only a small number of students are willing to raise their hands in class, usually the best students. "It's important for teachers to realize that students need to be encouraged to speak up in class, especially high school students because this is a shy age," he said.

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