JiTT 2.0 – Performance Improvement Using Bluepulse

Although Just in Time Teaching (JiTT) can be effective without the use of technology, its application is maximized by the ease of implementation, accessibility, and student autonomy of using online methods for questions and digital response tools. The real key to performance improvement using JiTT is a function of two perceptual processes: the individual’s perception of the standards of performance and their perception of their own performance. Once these two aspects are correctly understood, individuals can benchmark their own performance and evaluate their contributions comparatively.

JiTT in Action

JiTT exercises come in different shapes and sizes. From WarmUps to Puzzles, and GoodFors, the goal of JiTT exercises is to front-load student learning on their own time and arrive in class more prepared to tackle new topics. The most effective JiTT exercises call upon students to take ownership of their learning goals as they increase the level of the cognitive abilities by moving up to higher order thinking. The learning outcomes of the course will dictate the kind of JiTT exercises that will be most effective, while the level of cognitive thinking required for practice or achievement in the course will dictate the JiTT questions in the exercise.

Bluepulse Features for JiTT

The main pillars of Bluepulse lend themselves quite elegantly to nurturing the perceptual processes necessary for successful JiTT exercises. As part of the discussion around JiTT, instructors and students need to clarify what an acceptable response to a JiTT question might be by establishing a standard of performance. In low-stakes instances such as this, WarmUp questions may be graded on thoughtful effort alone. The use of good intuitive reasoning, statement of assumptions, or applicable calculations should suffice. Bluepulse can be used to field suggestions or ratings to make sure that everyone is in agreement about the standard of evaluation.

Learning polls can also be created around identifying student misconceptions or bottlenecks about course topics to assess knowledge levels in the class. Congruently, initiatives can be used in a longitudinal fashion to assess the validity or effectiveness of certain types of JiTT exercises. Perhaps students are more eager to move up to higher order thinking problems or need more time to digest the current topic and require more of the same. In either case, Bluepulse provides the functionality to evaluate these procedures in class.

Moreover, because Bluepulse is available as a mobile platform, posting questions and receiving responses can happen anytime, anywhere, from any device. This allows students the autonomy to participate in JiTT exercises from the comfort of their own home, on campus, or while out taking a walk. The real-time feedback from students lets instructors make ad hoc adjustments to lesson plans as responses are collected.

For the second of the perceptual processes, initiatives can be created and published prompting students to take a more introspective look at their own performance and compare their personal evaluation with that of other students (if responses are shared publicly) or against the agreed upon assessment rubric for the exercise. Gaining insight from students post-exercise about aspects of the material they found most difficult or interesting allows for fine-tuning of the JiTT process. This also allows instructors to gauge how much time is being spent on these exercises outside of class, should they wish to inquire.

Finally, this crystalizes the importance and impact of creating a community of learners around a central topic. By encouraging students to interact with one another to tackle complex problems alleviates some of the time needed by instructors to address individual students’ learning gaps. However, if at-risk students begin to emerge, new features in Bluepulse will permit instructors to engage in a private discussion with their students to quantify these deficiencies and tailor personalized help to get their students back on track.

JiTT + Bluepulse – Great for Every Kind of Learning

The great thing about the JiTT process is that is it effective for a wide variety of subject matters in post-secondary education. As new pedagogies develop, new tools are needed to enhance processes like JiTT, which are proving to be more than worthwhile.

Everybody wins. Candid student feedback today; higher engagement and better student outcomes tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more ways that Bluepulse is helping educators rethink the classroom.