Building a safe starting point with Mentimeter
To make space for every voice, Wiktoria turns to Mentimeter on day one of every course. Using Word Clouds, Multiple Choice polls, and Open-Ended questions, she invites students to contribute without the immediate pressure of speaking out loud.
"Mentimeter lets everyone join in, even the shy students. They get to express themselves without the pressure of speaking in front of the group."
In a group course, it’s not always possible to hear from everyone individually, but with Mentimeter, she can capture input from the entire class at once. She often uses it to ask students how they would prioritise learning outcomes for the course or what they hope to gain from the semester.
Ranking slide to collect students’ priorities from the course goals.
One of her favourite activities is asking students, "What languages do you speak?" and watching as the Word Cloud fills with languages from across the globe - German, Turkish, Arabic, Polish, Spanish, and more. This shows how multicultural the class is and reminds students that multilingualism is an asset, not a weakness.
Word Cloud showcasing the different languages students speak.
Using Mentimeter to check understanding, adapt, and empower students
Mentimeter is not just for icebreakers; it’s also a tool for formative assessment throughout the semester. Wiktoria uses quick quizzes, mid-semester check-ins, and live polls to gauge how much students have grasped and where they need more support.
"Sometimes it’s as simple as asking how confident students feel about a topic, or running a quick multiple-choice quiz to see what’s sticking. It helps me adjust my teaching in real time, so no one gets left behind."
Wiktoria also uses Mentimeter to run creative activities like a Dragons’ Den-style exercise where students pitch ideas to their classmates, who then "invest" virtual money by allocating points via Mentimeter. "It makes them think critically while having fun, and it’s so easy to set up."
Dragon’s Den-style exercise in one of Wiktoria’s classes.
Building trust, confidence, and real learning
Since bringing Mentimeter into her teaching, Wiktoria has seen her classroom transform into a more relaxed, interactive, and inclusive environment. Students gradually build the confidence to participate aloud, while even the quietest learners find a way to contribute from day one.
"I hear from students all the time that they feel safe in my classes," she shares. "Mentimeter plays a big part in that. It gives them a way in."
The tool also makes her teaching more adaptive and responsive. By seeing where students are struggling or excelling in real time, she can adjust lessons on the spot, re-explain concepts, or create targeted follow-ups that support each learner.
But for Wiktoria, the impact goes beyond lesson plans. By creating a culture of participation and inclusion, she is preparing students for the reality of international workplaces, where clear communication and the courage to speak up are essential skills.
"It’s about creating a community, not just delivering content," she says. "Mentimeter helps make that happen faster."
