How to Use a Random Name Picker in the Classroom

A teacher-friendly guide to using a random name picker for participation and classroom turns.

A random name picker can make participation feel more predictable and fair. It can also prevent the same volunteers from answering every question. Use it as a participation aid, not as a punishment mechanism.

Before you start

A random name picker can make participation feel more predictable and fair. It can also prevent the same volunteers from answering every question. Use it as a participation aid, not as a punishment mechanism. A teacher-friendly guide to using a random name picker for participation and classroom turns. A useful rule of thumb is to keep instructions short, give everyone a clear turn, and stop or change the activity when the group is no longer enjoying it.

For a random version, prepare the acceptable options in advance and use the TossUp tools to make the selection visible.

A simple approach

A random name picker can make participation feel more predictable and fair. It can also prevent the same volunteers from answering every question. Use it as a participation aid, not as a punishment mechanism. A teacher-friendly guide to using a random name picker for participation and classroom turns. A useful rule of thumb is to keep instructions short, give everyone a clear turn, and stop or change the activity when the group is no longer enjoying it.

For a random version, prepare the acceptable options in advance and use the TossUp tools to make the selection visible.

Keep the activity moving

A random name picker can make participation feel more predictable and fair. It can also prevent the same volunteers from answering every question. Use it as a participation aid, not as a punishment mechanism. A teacher-friendly guide to using a random name picker for participation and classroom turns. A useful rule of thumb is to keep instructions short, give everyone a clear turn, and stop or change the activity when the group is no longer enjoying it.

For a random version, prepare the acceptable options in advance and use the TossUp tools to make the selection visible.

Make it work for your group

A random name picker can make participation feel more predictable and fair. It can also prevent the same volunteers from answering every question. Use it as a participation aid, not as a punishment mechanism. A teacher-friendly guide to using a random name picker for participation and classroom turns. A useful rule of thumb is to keep instructions short, give everyone a clear turn, and stop or change the activity when the group is no longer enjoying it.

For a random version, prepare the acceptable options in advance and use the TossUp tools to make the selection visible.

Frequently asked questions