Mood Barometer
Added Value
- Visual representation of the group’s mood
- Tendencies and interim results can be gathered
- Instructors receive quick feedback on their session
At a Glance
- Method for concluding a session or topic
- Group size: up to 30 participants
- Preparation time: 1–5 minutes
- Duration: 10 minutes
Procedure
The instructor poses a feedback question (e.g., “How satisfied am I with the course so far?” using a scale from 1–10, where 1 = “not at all satisfied” and 10 = “very satisfied”). This question can, for example, be visualized on a flipchart. If a flipchart is used, it can be turned around to ensure the anonymity of participants. Each participant individually approaches the flipchart and places a sticker on the scale. Once all participants have marked their point, the flipchart is turned back around, and the instructor can engage the group in a discussion about the results. Statements can be collected and follow-up questions asked (e.g., “What would need to change for more points to be placed toward the higher / more satisfied end of the scale?”). Optionally, the instructor may also revisit the results in a later session with the students.

The instructor poses a feedback question (e.g., “How satisfied am I with the course so far?” using a scale from 1–10, where 1 = “not at all satisfied” and 10 = “very satisfied”). The instructor presents this scale using an interactive digital board tool or the whiteboard function of the video conferencing system and explains the meaning of the two poles to the group. Students are then asked to place a point along the scale that reflects their personal view and position on the question. Once all participants have placed their points, the instructor can initiate a discussion about the results. Statements can be collected and questions asked (e.g., “What would need to change for more points to be placed toward the higher / more satisfied end of the scale?”). Optionally, the instructor may revisit the results in a follow-up session with the participants.

Tips for Implementation
Organization:
- The results of the mood barometer can serve as starting points for subsequent questions.
- Not all board tools are anonymized. If you want to use the mood barometer anonymously, you should first choose a tool that allows anonymity or check whether the selected tool is set to anonymous mode.
Variants:
- The mood barometer can also be implemented using digital tools. TU Braunschweig offers several feedback and polling tools for this purpose.
- Instead of a scale, students can position themselves in the room (see also “Positioning in the Room”). In this variant, anonymity cannot be maintained.
Application Scenarios
- Give students the opportunity to help shape their learning process through feedback
- Ask about the strengths and weaknesses of one’s own course
- Further develop teaching based on student feedback
Material & Digital Tools
Minute paper in the form of (digital) worksheets with prepared questions
Optional visualization materials such as a blackboard or flipchart
Board tools such as Collaboard
Video conferencing systems such as BigBlueButton, Webex
Further Literature
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