Pilot investigation of the utility of a student response system in medical student lectures

An evaluation of a student response system was undertaken to investigate its effect on lectures. Use of the system in lectures at the University of Wales College of Medicine (UWCM) was observed for a trial period. Analyses of these observations, and the opinions of lecturers and students who used the system suggest that the system improves upon the 'conventional' lecture in various ways. Such benefits, and some limitations, are discussed. It is suggested that student response systems such as the one described may be a step towards making 'the lecture' a more effective medium for teaching.