The ‘Millionaire’

method for encouraging participation W E N DY B E E K E S Lancaster University, UK A B S T R AC T Encouraging students to participate during class time is important to facilitate the learning process and encourage deep learning to take place. However, students with certain cultural and education backgrounds are often reluctant to participate in class discussion. This article provides some initial insight into the use of the Personal Response System (PRS) to encourage class participation at the postgraduate level. I found that students ’ participation levels were increased when using the PRS, and further class discussion and debate was stimulated as a result. K E Y WO R D S: Per sona l Re spon s e Sy s t em, s tuden t pa r t i c i pat i on Introduction and background Innovative methods to provide effective learning and teaching are under investigation in most universities in the UK. Some have focused upon the potential benefits of virtual learning environments (for example, Crawfor