Using online student polling for continuous improvement planning

Abstract

This study examines the use of Internet polling at schools to gain student input for the improvement of learning conditions to assist in the continuous improvement planning. The study consists of 2006 respondents and three different schools containing the middle school child. The grades included in the study were 5, 6, 7, and 8. Although two different polls were administered, this study focuses in on cyberbullying. The variables analyzed were gender, ethnicity, grade level, age, school location, and principal perception. All three schools were in the same school district that is undergoing growth. This study reports the students’ perceptions about cyberbullying and how it impacts the learning conditions within the school. Administrators enjoyed the ease of administering the polls in the school labs, and the ability to view the results online immediately. The polling process allows for students to have a voice in the process of improving the schools in which they learn. This study is presented in a way for school teachers and principals to understand the data.