Class Poll

This is more of a technique than a full activity. The point of this activity is to get secret responses from students about a question — things like whether they did their homework or liked an activity, or if they understood the grammar point or want to change seats. It’s an easy-to-use way to get secret answers from students.

Preparation

None

Procedure

1. Tell students you will ask a question, and they are to put up one finger for true and two for false. 2. Students are to keep their eyes closed during the activity. Checking that eyes are closed can be done in a fun, lighthearted way. 3. The first couple of questions can be “fake” questions, with the instructor asking things like “Is it Wednesday today?” Raise one finger if true; two fingers if false. “Is this English class?” etc.

Variations

1. If the class is small enough, you can have students line up in one row so that others cannot see their fingers up in the air while they are looking straight ahead. 2. Have students ask questions.

When to Use It

• To allow students to have a “secret” vote on something • To get a sense of where the class stands on something • To help students feel more at ease answering certain questions

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

None

Preparation Time

A few minutes — if need to line students up

Activity Time

5 minutes