A presentation from the STEM Annual Conference 2014.
This presentation reports findings of a pilot project that investigated the contribution of PeerWise to student engagement on a BSc Nutrition module at Kingston University with 34 students. PeerWise is a free online tool which allows students to create multiple-choice questions (MCQs) which are stored in the PeerWise repository. Students can then answer MCQs created by peers provide comment/feedback on MCQs and rate them.
Students were eligible for bonus marks - extra credit - for a prescribed level of contribution but the activity was otherwise optional. A survey questionnaire was distributed to all students five of which were also interviewed. PeerWise usage analytics were also used. Although the term engagement has been interpreted broadly in literature this study examined evidence of a subset of engagement indicators.
Data analysis and triangulation shows that PeerWise directly or indirectly incorporated most of the engagement indicators examined. Whilst the opportunity for obtaining bonus marks was put forward as the main reason students used PeerWise (the driver for the initial uptake) interviews suggested that the various features PeerWise offered e.g. badges leader boards along with the perceived pedagogical benefit of the tool helped sustain and carry forward the initial momentum. In addition a substantial proportion of students (57%) reported that they spent more time studying than they would otherwise have done had it not been for PeerWise. Those involved in teaching may consider the ideas of this pilot project in their professional contexts as a means to promote student engagement and active and collaborative learning.
