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Best practices - how to best use StudentSense?

Bruce Doan

There are three elements to maximising the success of your student check in:

  1. Introduce StudentSense to your students.
  2. Use the tool in class as part of your teaching delivery.
  3. Close the loop by sharing what you learned from your students.

Below we share additional information on each of the three best practice habits.

 

Introduce StudentSense to your students

Start by clearly explaining what StudentSense is and why you are using it to build trust and encourages participation. For example:

“StudentSense is our student check-in and feedback tool. We will be using it to get feedback on your learning and help me understand your needs better. All feedback is private, and you can respond anonymously.”

You might also want to highlight the benefits:

  • It helps tailor lessons to student needs.
  • It gives students a voice in shaping their learning experience.
  • It is quick and easy to use.

Consider using Present Mode or a short demo to walk students through how it works, especially if they are new to using StudentSense.

 

Use it in class

To maximise participation and relevance, run check-ins during class time. This ensures higher response rates and more timely feedback.

  • Keep check-ins short—ideally 2–3 questions.
  • You can tailor questions to the lesson just delivered.
  • Use targeted prompts like:
    • “How did you find today’s class?”
    • “What topic remains unclear?”
    • “What would help you prepare for the next assessment?”

 

Close the loop

One of the most powerful ways to build trust and demonstrate responsiveness is to “close the loop.” This means:

  • Sharing what you have learned from student feedback.
  • Explaining how it will influence future lessons or activities.
  • Responding to students (even briefly) to show their input matters.

For example, following a check-in you may wish to share:

“Last week, several of you mentioned that the pace of the lesson was too fast. I have adjusted today’s session to include more time for questions and discussion.”

This practice is powerful as it validates the student voice and encourages continued participation. Closing the loop is key to fostering inclusive classrooms and improving teaching practice.