Assessing methods to improve class participation

In business education class participation is regularly used as an assessment tool. How it works is that students receive a mark towards their final grade based on their participation in class discussions. However the major challenge facing educators is how to get students more involved thereby increasing class participation. Much research has shown that increased participation leads to improved learning outcomes. This paper assesses a method employed to increase class participation. It begins with a review of the literature on class participation and utilises that literature to identify methods educators have employed to improve participation. A questionnaire is then developed to investigate the concept of student participation in class discussions. It looks specifically at students concerns with participation and examines the effectiveness of various methods utilised to improve overall participation. The findings of a study carried out over several semesters are presented. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on the use of class participation as a means of assessment and provides educators with more effective means for improved class participation. It also reignites the debate on quality versus quantity.