Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction (2012) says that effective teachers will frequently check to see if all students are learning the material being introduced to them. Mini whiteboards allow the teacher to stop and gauge whether the children understand something. They can give a very quick snapshot of the whole class. They allow for quick identification of misconceptions that the children might have that can then be challenged or corrected.

If you ask one child a question you will know what that child thinks, but with a mini whiteboard you can ask a question and see what every child thinks. It can be a powerful strategy.

The Role of Mini Whiteboards in Assessment for Learning

Assessment for learning (AfL) is a teaching approach that provides feedback to the teacher which can then be used to improve students’ performance or inform teacher planning. Mini whiteboards are an excellent AfL tool because they allow teachers to:

• Gauge Understanding Quickly: By posing a question and having students write their answers on whiteboards, teachers can instantly see who understands the concept and who needs further explanation.
• Identify Misconceptions: Misunderstandings can be spotted immediately, providing the teacher with the opportunity to address them before they become entrenched.
• Encourage Participation: Every child is involved in the process, making it a whole-class activity that encourages active participation.

For a definitive guide to Assessment for Learning, see this article by Dylan William.

Different Ways to Use Mini Whiteboards in Primary Science

• Questions about vocabulary
• Quick diagrams – parts of a flower, labelling forces, circuits, organs of the body, etc
• Predictions: What do they think will happen in an experiment? Will something be faster/slower, brighter, bigger etc?
• Drawing graphs
• Identify variables
• Draw a sequence: Life cycles etc
• Quick quiz questions: True/false, one-word answer, multiple choice.

Effective Strategies for Using Mini Whiteboards

To maximize the benefits of mini whiteboards, consider the following strategies:

• Prompt Response: Use commands like “3-2-1 Show me” to prompt students to display their answers simultaneously.
• Proper Handling: Teach students to hold their boards in front of their chests, ensuring visibility for the teacher and preventing distractions.
• Routine Establishment: Implement routines for distributing and collecting whiteboards to minimize disruption and maximize instructional time.

Storage and Management Tips

Efficient storage and management of mini whiteboards are crucial for smooth classroom operation. Here are some tips:

• Central Storage: Keep whiteboards and pens at the centre of each table for easy access.
• Class Monitors: Assign class monitors to distribute and collect whiteboards, fostering responsibility and leadership among students.

Mini whiteboards are more than just a writing surface; they are a gateway to a more interactive and diagnostic teaching approach. By incorporating them into the primary science classroom, teachers can significantly enhance the learning experience, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and understood.

For more on mini whiteboards, see this blog post by Tom Sherrington.

See also this article on Assessment in Primary Science.