On the line
Students indicate whether or not they agree with statements by stepping over a line.
- Large groups (>10)
- <5 minutes
- 5-10 minutes
- 10-30 minutes
- Energizer
- Evaluate
When to use it?
- When you want to energize students and let them step away from their computer or desk.
- When you want to gauge student opinion in a more fluid way.
- When you want to increase interaction amongst your students.
Activity instructions
Preparation
- Formulate statements that you want to use. Make sure that there is no right or wrong answer, but more a Likert scale answer (totally agree - agree - neutral - disagree - totally disagree).
Activity steps
- Draw a line
Draw a line that students can cross and let all students start at one end. - Explain
Share which side of the line corresponds with which answer. - Pose a statement
Pose a statement and let the students discuss their opinions and take their position. - Discuss
Ask different students at different positions to explain their choice.
Tips for implementation & variation
- Online teaching: You can draw a line on the built-in whiteboard in the video lecture tool and ask students where they would position themselves. Or you can let students vote on a statement by using an online tool (PresentersWall, Brightspace or a video lecture tool), give a thumbs up/down or show a colored object (something green if they agree and something red if they disagree) in front of their camera.
- Make sure you have enough space in the room so people can comfortably choose a position.
- Keep in mind that students have to make a public stand on how they feel about the topic, so make sure they will not get judged based on their response.
Supporting tools