Sending Pulse Checks® to your students? Keep reading for best practices.
Some students will be engaged from Day 1 and want to share their thoughts. But some will not. Here are some best practices that Possip partners have used to get great engagement in Possip.
- Message Possip’s Purpose Clearly - One of the most crucial first steps to getting students on board with Possip Pulse Checks is clearly stating the purpose of sending Pulse Checks and re-enforcing this routinely.
- Consider consent to text. If you are sending Pulse Checks to students, you are likely primarily using email. Consider consent to text regulations in your district to determine if SMS Pulse Checks will work for your school.
- Share about anonymity. At the end of most Pulse Checks, students can reply "yes" or "no" to a question on whether they'd like to remain anonymous– this is important to share! Even if there is a trusted point-person overseeing Pulse Checks, students want to feel empowered to authentically share without fear of backlash. (Note: When you choose to send a Bonus Question™ Only, anonymity is not offered.)
- Keep Pulse Checks Routine and Relevant - Routines are helpful for students when it comes to communication. Designating a particular time or period for students to respond during the day can be helpful for creating a routine. Schools can make the Pulse Checks more relevant and keep students engaged by using Bonus Questions. Check out these articles to learn more about Bonus Questions.
- Provide Appreciation and Incentives to Students - Showing gratitude for students who respond to Pulse Checks helps them understand that their voice is being heard and it is valued. Schools can reach out to a handful of students just to personally say “thank you” for taking the time to respond.
- Tell Them What You Heard - Telling students what you heard helps them get invested and understand that someone is actually reading their text messages. We have a product offering called the 360 Script™, which pulls out trends and praise from each week's Pulse Check and puts them in easy-to-read language so schools can share a quick message to the community and increase investment. If you are interested in learning more about our 360 offering, reach out to support@possip.com.
- Tell Them What Comes Next - Students might want to know how changes will be implemented based on their feedback. Communicate an action plan or ideas in your newsletter too.
- Invest Your Teachers in Possip - Get your teachers invested in the purpose of Possip, too! Students may also give specific teacher shout-outs in Possip Pulse Checks that can get teachers excited about investing more students in Possip.