Google Forms Popsicle Sticks – Teacher Tech

As teachers, we are familiar with the idea of ​​”popsicle sticks.” This is when we randomly call a student. HOWEVER, this can cause a lot of anxiety in some students. When we feel anxious or in a bind, it’s not necessarily our best opportunity to show what we know. Rather than a quick response, wouldn’t we rather have a thoughtful response? I created a plugin for Google Forms that allows all students to carefully answer a question. Google Forms Popsicle Sticks by AliceKeeler

Using AliceKeeler’s Popsicle Stick Form

After installing the plugin, create a new Google Form. Go to the puzzle piece icon on the toolbar to choose “Ice Cream Sticks Shape”. This plugin does NOT collect user data.

generic configuration

You can reuse this same form over and over again. Post the form to your Google Classroom or another LMS. When you ask a question on the fly in class, students can answer the question on Google Form.

Choosing “Settings” from the menu adds a question for the student’s name and a question for the student’s answer.

stop raising your hand

Stanford’s Jo Boaler says stop asking students to raise their hands. It gives the impression that you want a quick response rather than a thoughtful response.

If you are asking a question verbally, you can continue to do so. The only change is that instead of raising their hands where only 1-2 students can participate in the question, students will answer in the Google Form.

Leave the question in the Google Form as “Answer to Question” so you don’t have to constantly update the Form for questions you ask as you go.

quick steps

1. Share form with students
2. Open the EDIT screen of the form yourself.
3. ask a question in class
4. Use the puzzle piece icon to select “Ice Cream Sticks Shape” and “Show Random Answer”.
5. Read the random response from the students. Ask the student to expand or explain if she wishes.
6. Repeat “Show Random Response” as desired to display additional student responses.
7. Use the puzzle piece icon to “Ask another question” to remove previous answers.

Connect a Google Sheets spreadsheet

Tip to click the “Responses” tab in Google Form to connect a Google Sheets spreadsheet. This will collect student responses. The responses from the COPY form to the spreadsheet. When you use “Ask another question” from the Popsicle Sticks Form, the responses are removed from the Form but NOT from the spreadsheet. This allows you to view student responses to questions asked in class over time.

Fight or Flight – According to ChatGPT

Fight or flight is a physiological response to stress or perceived danger. When a person experiences a threat, his body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which activate the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the body to fight or flee from the threat.

In the context of randomly calling out a student for a response, this can trigger a fight or flight response in the student. The student may feel anxious or stressed about being called, especially if he is unsure of the answer or does not feel ready. This can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and a feeling of butterflies in your stomach.

In some cases, this answer can be helpful, as it can motivate the student to study and be prepared for class. However, if the stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on a student’s academic performance and well-being.

As a teacher, it is important to be aware of this response and to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Calling out students randomly can be a useful teaching tool, but it is important to use it in a fair and respectful way, taking into account each student’s individual needs and abilities. Encouraging participation and providing positive feedback can help reduce stress and increase participation in the classroom.