Engage, Assess, and Transform Learning with Mini Whiteboards

Moving Beyond Raised Hands: A Better Way to Assess Learning

It was my 3rd year teaching. Throughout these years, I always felt that something was missing in my classroom. I struggled to truly understand how well my students were grasping the concepts in real-time. Traditional methods of assessment such as homework and raised hands, never seemed to give me a complete picture of my students’ comprehension.

One summer, during a professional development workshop, a colleague casually mentioned mini whiteboards as a classroom tool. Intrigued, I decided to experiment. I convinced the school to purchase a set of small, portable whiteboards and dry-erase markers for my chemistry class.

I began by introducing the procedure for using mini whiteboards in the classroom. I made sure students understood how to use them effectively. Then, I transitioned into teaching balancing chemical equations using the “I Do,” “We Do,” “You Do” method. We completed the “I Do” and “We Do” portions of the lesson. Then, I instructed students to balance a chemical equation on their whiteboards. Within moments, I scanned the room and quickly identified which students grasped the concept and who needed additional support.

The mini whiteboards also transformed classroom participation. Students who were typically shy about raising their hands now had a low-stakes way to show their work. They could erase and try again without fear of public embarrassment. The anonymity of the whiteboard gave them confidence to attempt complex problems they might have previously avoided.

Mini whiteboards are a game-changer in the classroom. They make formative assessment engaging, interactive, and immediate, helping you evaluate student understanding on the spot. However, the key to their success lies in establishing clear procedures and fostering an honest learning environment. In this post, I’ll walk you through my approach to using mini whiteboards effectively, ensuring they become a valuable tool in your teacher toolbox.

Setting the Stage: Modeling Mini Whiteboard Use

Before distributing mini whiteboards, I carefully model the entire procedure. If students receive the whiteboards before understanding expectations, they will get distracted and doodle instead of listening. By demonstrating the exact steps and purpose beforehand, I establish a structured approach that focuses students’ attention and ensures the activity runs smoothly.

Explaining the Mini-Whiteboard Routine

I begin by walking students through the routine through precise modeling, demonstrating each step as I explain it:

“I will post a question on the board. Use your whiteboard and marker to write your answer. Make sure it’s big and visible.”

As I speak, I write an oversized, clear answer on my mini whiteboard, exaggerating my movements to show exactly what I expect.

“When you’re done, place your whiteboard face down. This helps me see who is done and who is not.”

I turn my mini whiteboard over, showing a motion that students can easily replicate.

“Once everyone has their whiteboards face down, I’ll count down: 3, 2, 1, boards up! At that point, hold your whiteboard up so I can see it.”

I lift my whiteboard high above my head, making eye contact with the class to emphasize the final step.

“Do not erase your answers until I am done going over the misconceptions.”

This is crucial for students. It allows them to reflect on their first thinking. They can compare their original response with the correct solution. This helps them understand where they might have made errors in their reasoning.

By physically demonstrating each instruction, I establish a clear, visual guide that leaves no room for confusion. This approach transforms the mini whiteboard from a potential distraction into an engaging, structured learning tool.

Emphasizing Honesty and Embracing Mistakes

Next, I stress the importance of honesty in this activity:

“Don’t copy your partner’s answer. This is not graded. I want to see what you know, not what your neighbor knows. By being honest, I will be able to help you in the best way possible.”

“Mistakes are okay. If I see errors, I’ll address them for the whole class. This helps everyone learn.”

By framing mistakes as learning opportunities, I encourage students to engage without fear of judgment.

Distributing Mini Whiteboards

After modeling the whiteboard routine, I distribute the materials systematically. I instruct students to retrieve their whiteboards and pencil pouches, which contain a marker and eraser, from the designated area at the back of the classroom. They must then return to their assigned seats, ensuring an orderly and efficient transition.

Preparation Is Key: Ensuring Materials Are Ready

The success of any activity depends on preparation.

Before students start using the whiteboards, I have them test their markers to ensure they work. If a marker doesn’t write properly, I replace it immediately. This proactive step prevents interruptions mid-activity.

I also check that every student has an eraser. If someone is missing one, I address it before starting the activity. This also prevents interruptions mid-activity.

Engaging Students: Putting the Mini Whiteboard System into Action

Once I’ve modeled the procedure and ensured materials are ready, it’s time to implement the system.

Active Participation

Students write their answers to the posted question, flip their boards face down when done, and hold them up on my signal. This approach keeps everyone engaged and allows me to quickly assess the class’s understanding.

Real-Time Feedback

By scanning the answers, I can immediately identify patterns of misunderstanding or common errors. I use this information to provide targeted feedback or revisit concepts as needed.

Putting Mini Whiteboards Away

I start by instructing students to completely erase their whiteboards. This step is important because leftover writing can become difficult to clean later.

Once the boards are clean, I have students place their markers and erasers inside the pencil pouches.

Finally, they return the pouches and whiteboards to their designated bins at the back of the classroom.

Where to Get Mini Whiteboards

You might be thinking, “Okay that sounds great! But where exactly do I get mini-whiteboards?”

I was fortunate enough to have the school cover the costs. I had to write an extensive email about their benefits and it worked! If your administration or district needs some convincing, feel free to send them the link to this blog post. 🙂

Purchasing Mini-Whiteboards

When I first started using mini whiteboards, I had the school purchase some from the dollar store. However, they were not durable and quickly wore out. I wanted to avoid constantly replacing them. So, I searched for a more reliable solution and found one.

I now use reusable plastic sleeves¹ with white cardstock paper inserted inside. This setup creates a sturdy, long-lasting surface for writing. I have been using these for over five years, and they are still in good condition.

Another good alternative is to use protector sheets. Just place a blank sheet of white cardstock paper and voila! A mini whiteboard!

Purchasing Whiteboard Markers

For markers, my school usually keeps them in stock. However, if you need to purchase your own, Amazon offers whiteboard markers² in bulk, which can save money in the long run.

Purchasing Erasers

Initially, I had the school buy mini erasers, but they didn’t last. To find a more durable option, I started using microfiber cloths³. The school purchased a pack, and I cut them into small squares. These homemade erasers have been incredibly effective and long-lasting.

Purchasing Pencil Pouches for Storage

To keep everything organized, I also had the school purchase pencil pouches⁴. Each student’s pouch holds a whiteboard marker and a microfiber cloth eraser, making distribution and cleanup quick and easy.

Mini Whiteboards: Small Tools, Big Impact

Implementing mini whiteboards in my classroom has completely transformed how I teach and assess student understanding. What started as a simple experiment has now become an essential part of my teaching practice. These small but powerful tools boost engagement, encourage honest participation, and provide immediate feedback on student comprehension.

If you’re interested in learning more, I recommend listening to Adam Boxer’s explanation here⁵. While my whiteboard procedures are similar to his, he offers additional insights in this podcast, including effective implementation strategies and the benefits of using mini whiteboards in the classroom.

By modeling clear procedures, preparing materials in advance, and fostering a supportive environment, mini whiteboards have become more than just a classroom tool. They’re a gateway to deeper learning. Whether you’re teaching chemistry or another subject, this approach can transform your classroom into a more interactive and inclusive learning space. Give it a try and experience the difference firsthand!

Notes:

1. I am not receiving any endorsement or compensation for promoting this product. ↩︎
2. I am not receiving any endorsement or compensation for promoting this product. ↩︎
3. I am not receiving any endorsement or compensation for promoting this product. ↩︎
4. I am not receiving any endorsement or compensation for promoting this product. ↩︎
5. I am not receiving any endorsement or compensation for promoting this podcast. Just thought it was filled with great ideas! ↩︎