Connections to Related Research

Classroom Engagement: 

“More than 75% of students responded that teaching and learning by using Pear Deck not only built the interaction as well as the engagement between teachers and students but also allowed them to enhance their knowledge and extend their knowledge through the learning activities.” (Haryani & Ayuningtyas, 2020)

Pear Deck is known for helping teachers raise engagement during classroom instruction. Creating a learner-centered environment is accessible with Pear Deck. Pear Deck is a go-to tool for a blended learning environment. Students can work through a slideshow at their own pace, or the teacher can control the pace by having students follow along. By allowing students to work with the content at their own pace, complex content is front-loaded, providing students time to become comfortable with what they are learning before sharing their understanding with their peers. Studies conducted on blended learning environments report the positive impact of using technology in the classroom, “Research showed that the academic achievement average of the students who have studied in the blended learning environment has been found higher than the academic achievement average of the students who have studied in a traditional learning environment.” (Jamiludin et al., 2021, p.2) Student participation is improved because they can interact with the content and their peers in a risk-free environment. The teacher receives instant feedback from students through the application, and the students share feedback anonymously with one another. The teacher can highlight student responses to clarify misconceptions or discuss student input further to enrich the learner’s knowledge. The pressure of “being called on” in front of the whole class is lessened, and students can interact and participate in a classroom discussion without the anxiety or stress of being incorrect. Students' passivity decreases with an interactive tool like Pear Deck. 

Student Achievement:

“Students who learned the social studies content using Pear Deck scored significantly higher on the assessment the next class day than those who learned the same content with a teacher-led lecture.” (Gross, 2023, p. 23)

Providing a learner-centered approach to instruction leads to larger gains in student achievement. Research shows that engaging students in higher-order thinking through questioning and application of what is being learned helps students implement metacognition abilities by building a deeper understanding and connection to what they are learning. “By utilizing Pear Deck, teachers can create an inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse learning preferences and backgrounds. Embracing this platform empowers educators to collect valuable data for instruction while promoting educational equity in the classroom.” (Gupta, 2024) Pear Deck allows the instructor to implement student surveys that ask students to reflect upon their learning. For example, students can communicate with their teacher through the application privately, if they need more support with new content or are ready for more of a challenge. This data helps the teacher decide how to best assess students based on their learning needs. It can also help students improve their achievement on a final assessment because the teacher can provide students with interventions regarding the content before moving on to the next lesson. Teachers can even use Pear Deck to create assessments for their students. Pear Deck uses high-engagement assessments that include video. These assessments also provide teachers with instant feedback on their students’ achievement. 

How does Pear Deck support the 21st-century learner? 

“In the 21st century, educators must be tech-savvy and learn about integrating technology in the classroom and mastering these resources may help them advance their careers and acquire superior skills. It takes some time for teachers and students to get used to using it, but it is well worth the effort if you want to design dynamic, interesting classes that provide you with quick feedback and comprehension from your students.” (Taylor, 2024)

A student who feels empowered to share their knowledge with others is a learner who has the opportunity to engage, question, and reflect upon what they are learning. Pear Deck allows students and teachers to break the traditional classroom's barriers. Pear Deck can support the modern classroom by enhancing a student-led approach in a flipped classroom model, making blended learning more accessible for the instructor to design, and sparking conversation during class through collaborative learning activities. Each learning opportunity raises student engagement, helps learners take risks and ownership of their learning, and allows teachers to meet their students’ needs more efficiently. “Pear Deck is an important tool as it falls under the constructivist learning theory.  Through this theory, it plays on two significant umbrellas, which are active learning and social constructivism.” (Power, E.D., 2020, p.44) The foundations of this theory support the advancement of the 21st-century learner by developing the skills needed to compete in the global marketplace. Pear Deck is a technological tool that enhances the engagement and achievement of students while supporting the best teaching practices of instructors in K-12 education and higher education.