I want to... (Mentimeter use case matrix)

Here is a quick table that shows how Live Polling with Mentimeter can be used effectively, and/or to overcome identified problems

I want to …	because …	Can Mentimeter help?
Break up the monotony of lectures	monotonous lectures aren’t good practice to give myself a break to give students time to reflect and think to keep students alert to avoid cognitive/ listening overload	Yes. Asking students context-relevant questions will keep them alert and their brains active. Well-formed, well-placed and well-paced questions changes student learning from passive learning to active thinking Combined with allowing students to discuss their answers with neighbors, can turn a tiring lecture into an engaging active session Asking students to ‘do’ something in a lecture allows you to rest and prepare for the next ‘instruction chunk’.
Gauge levels of knowledge at beginning and/ or (progressive) understanding throughout and at the end	To give me a sense of my students' level I want an instant confirmation that my teaching has made a difference I want to identify which areas to focus on in a following session.	Use a starter quiz with questions relevant to your session content, and repeat at the end. the first time, it primes students to look out for keywords, especially those they couldn’t answer the second time will reinforce what was taught, and ideally have everybody “score” 100% Combined, students will have their own evidence of what they learnt.
Test student understanding of what has just been explained	I will explain again if majority didn’t give correct answer To know I am pitching it right and at the correct pace (or not) To determine where to go next	Asking students to apply what they have heard to an actual problem shows that they have understood what was taught.
Ensure anonymity	I am dealing with sensitive topics I want to put students at ease Students might be afraid to get things wrong publicly I am using it as a survey/ research on the fly	This is what Mentimeter excels at! Anonymity ensures that students feel comfortable and free to contribute, which they may otherwise not do, either out of not wanting to lose faith, worried about being put on the spot or because they are naturally more quiet.
Teach flexibly and reactively	I want to cater to the needs of my current and particular cohort because I teach a topic that is flexible and changes quickly it suits my particular style	Agile/ reactive teaching puts the students at the centre Not having a fixed direction may feel risky, but may also encourage students to think for themselves Reacting to students in the moment makes teaching a democratic endeavor You may learn from your students as much as they learn from you.
“Gamify” my teaching	it will increase active learning it will keep students engaged and awake
Encourage students to learn with and from each other	Peer learning has been shown to be beneficial to student learning
Get feedback on my teaching	I will change it to make it better if I know what works for students and what doesn’t to get insight into my own teaching	Ask students to rate and/or comment on your teaching after each session, by the end of Term you will have data-driven insight into your own teaching If you change something on the basis of asking them to comment/ rate from one week to the next, students will know that you appreciate feedback and feel that their opinions are listened to.
Encourage students to use Mentimeter	we ask them to do presentations and this is a great tool. to amplify their voice(s)	Everybody at the LSE has access to Mentimeter, students and staff alike. Send them to our “Getting started with Mentimeter” wiki pages.