Technologies · Year 5

Active learning ideas

Surveys and Questionnaires for Data Collection

Active learning works for surveys and questionnaires because students need to experience firsthand how question wording shapes responses. When they craft questions, pilot them, and analyze results, the abstract concept of data quality becomes concrete and memorable.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9TDI6P01

• 15–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 20 min · Pairs

Pairs: Survey Question Brainstorm

Pairs brainstorm 5 survey questions on a class topic like recess activities. They classify each as qualitative or quantitative and rewrite one vague question to be clear. Share one improved question with the class for feedback.

Construct effective survey questions to gather specific information.

Facilitation Tip

During the Survey Question Brainstorm, circulate and ask pairs to explain how each question targets specific information before moving to writing.

What to look for

Present students with three sample survey questions. Ask them to identify each question as primarily collecting qualitative or quantitative data and explain their reasoning in one sentence.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 30 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Pilot Survey Conduct

Small groups pilot their survey with 5 classmates, recording responses in tables. They note any confusion from wording and adjust questions. Groups report findings to the class.

Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data.

Facilitation Tip

When conducting the Pilot Survey, remind small groups to take notes on confusing or biased responses as they occur.

What to look for

Students share their draft survey questions with a partner. The partner acts as a 'pilot tester' and provides feedback on clarity and potential bias. The original designer then writes one change they will make based on the feedback.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Data Tally and Graph

The class conducts one shared survey on favorite fruits. Students tally qualitative comments and quantitative votes, then create bar graphs. Discuss how results might change with different wording.

Analyze how question wording can influence survey responses.

Facilitation Tip

For the Data Tally and Graph activity, model how to group similar qualitative responses into categories before tallying.

What to look for

On an exit ticket, ask students to write one question that would gather quantitative data about their favourite sport and one question that would gather qualitative data about their favourite book. They should label each type of data.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• Inquiry Circle
• 15 min · Individual

Individual: Bias Reflection Journal

Students review a sample biased survey, identify issues, and rewrite neutrally. They journal how wording influenced sample responses and predict real impacts.

Construct effective survey questions to gather specific information.

What to look for

Present students with three sample survey questions. Ask them to identify each question as primarily collecting qualitative or quantitative data and explain their reasoning in one sentence.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach this topic through iterative design. Start with quick, low-stakes trials so students see the impact of wording immediately. Avoid moving straight to theory—let students discover patterns in their own data. Research shows that when students experience confusion during piloting, they retain lessons about bias and clarity more effectively.

Successful learning looks like students designing clear, unbiased questions that collect both qualitative and quantitative data. They should revise questions based on feedback and recognize how sampling and wording affect results. Evidence of this includes revised surveys, categorized data, and thoughtful reflections.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Survey Question Brainstorm, watch for students assuming only numerical answers are useful.

  Have students sort their brainstormed questions into two columns labeled 'Numbers' and 'Words/Opinions' on the whiteboard, then discuss what each column reveals about data types.

• During Pilot Survey Conduct, watch for students accepting unclear or biased questions as acceptable.

  Pause the pilot and ask each group to share one confusing or leading question, then collaboratively rewrite it to improve clarity and neutrality.

• During Data Tally and Graph, watch for students believing survey results reflect everyone's views equally.

  Ask students to compare their class results to a subgroup (e.g., only boys or only those who chose a specific option) and describe how the results differ, highlighting sampling limits.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle