In this guide
Why polls work
Polls are the fastest way to get every student thinking. They take less than a minute, they're low-pressure, and they give you instant feedback. Here are five poll types you can use in any subject.
The 5 poll ideas
Temperature check
Ask: "How confident do you feel about today's topic?" Use a rating scale from 1-5. This tells you who needs more support and who's ready to move on.
Predict what happens next
In a science or history lesson, show a scenario and ask students to predict the outcome. This builds critical thinking and makes the reveal more memorable.
Opinion poll
Ask a question with no wrong answer: "Which approach do you think is better?" This sparks discussion and helps students see different perspectives.
Fact or fiction
Present a statement and ask: "True or false?" This is a quick way to surface misconceptions and correct them in real time.
One-word summary
At the end of a section, ask: "In one word, what was this about?" Word clouds reveal how students interpreted the content and can lead to great discussions.
When to use polls
Tips
- At the start of a lesson to activate prior knowledge
- After explaining a concept to check understanding
- Before a break to re-engage attention
- At the end to reflect on learning
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