The Rotating Front Row Increases Student-Reported Participation during Discussion

Discussion is a common method to engage students in large-enrollment lectures. Many instructors rely on voluntary participation from students, which can lead to inequitable student contributions and exposure to a narrow scope of opinions. Mandatory participation for which points are earned or lost can lead to student disengagement and have the unintended consequence of marginalizing students. A technique known as the rotating front row blends mandatory participation with student flexibility to provide space for all voices while lowering barriers in traditional discussions. Field tests in microbiology-based lectures showed a majority of nonmicrobiology majors (77.1%) and microbiology majors (76.1%) reported an increase in participation within discussions after engaging in the rotating front row. A slight majority of nonmajors (55.7%) and majors (55.1%) reported an increased understanding of the course material covered during participation in the rotating front row. Student responses indicated the rotating front row alleviated anxiety surrounding public speaking while deepening understanding of the course material. The rotating front row is an inclusive technique in which students hear multiple perspectives and an equitable technique that ensures all voices are given an opportunity to contribute within discussions.