Student-Generated Induction in a Lecture Theatre

Student-generated induction is a discursive process of co-inquiry exploring the student experience that then makes immediate shared concerns visible via digital classroom technology (e.g., clickers or mobile phones). This has previously been applied to student induction in relatively small groups and often to students in arts and social sciences. This chapter provides an example of a large group in a science faculty induction using WordWall technology to scale up the participatory process in a model called Shared Thinking. This new approach involves students working in groups of different sizes inside a lecture theatre. This chapter shows how student-generated induction offers a technology-supported, whole-class alternative to induction otherwise delivered as a series of presentations. By creating a sense of group membership and belonging, this process can help to improve student experience through active learning and great psychological engagement. At the same time, the design supports socialization, inclusion and well-being in a large-group induction session.