How to Use Wooclap to Engage Students from Minute One, with Viroj Jienwatcharamongkhol, Blekinge Institute of Technology

The challenge of warming up the room

Every lecturer has faced it: that moment when students trickle into class, quiet, distracted, and half-present. How do you bring them together, help them focus, and create a learning environment where engagement can truly happen?

For Viroj Jienwatcharamongkhol, Senior Lecturer of Industrial Economics at Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, the answer lies in simplicity, consistency … and Wooclap.

"My main role is to give instructions to the students, trying to add incorporate some tools in order to make sure that the students engage and interact.”

In our latest WooTalks webinar, Viroj shared how he uses Wooclap as a calm, effective warm-up ritual that helps his students review, reflect, and get ready to learn.

"You should use Wooclap as a tool to enhance teaching rather than replace it."

Let’s explore how his method works - and what you can take from it to improve your own lectures.

A Simple Routine that Builds Student Engagement

Viroj’s Wooclap routine is elegantly simple: each lecture starts with a short, anonymous quiz. Five or six multiple-choice questions max - no points, no pressure.

He displays a QR code as students arrive. It’s an easy way to fill those first few minutes as they find seats or arrive a little late. But it’s also a strategic move: the quiz serves as a gentle transition from the hallway to the headspace of the lecture.

“Doing small questions at the start as a recap, I think those work great.”

This regular format helps students settle into a rhythm. It becomes expected - and appreciated.

“I prefer to have just a normal short quiz with no competition. I use Wooclap in order to refresh their memory, review their knowledge…”.

A Tool for Reflection, Not Comparison

One of the most powerful aspects of Viroj’s approach is anonymity. He deliberately keeps his Wooclap quizzes anonymous so students feel safe making mistakes.

"I don't want students to compare themselves to others. I want them to reflect on their own learning."

Instead of being a performance, the quiz becomes a mirror. Students instantly see if they’re up to speed - and where they need to improve. It’s less about competition, more about growth.

This also aligns beautifully with one of Wooclap’s core pedagogical pillars: instant feedback.

Practical Tips to Implement It Yourself

Viroj’s method is low-prep and highly repeatable, ideal for lecturers who value consistency. Here’s how you can try it too:

• Keep it short: 5-6 questions max
• Use MCQs or “multiple correct answers” to save time and ease participation
• Set a timer: Viroj uses 45 seconds per question to stay on schedule
• Limit Competition: Turn off leaderboards to create a safe space
• Export the results: Share a simple PDF so students can review later
• Reuse quizzes: Organize them by folder and iterate each year

“You can just export the answers as a PDF, and students can review after class, so they don’t have to come back to me and ask if they can have the quiz results”

Whether you’re teaching in person or online, this setup works - especially for early-year students who benefit from routine and reassurance.

Students Notice the Difference

The value of this approach isn’t just theoretical - it shows up in student feedback, year after year.

“It’s fun with the discussions and quiz at the beginning of every lecture.”

“It has become more interactive… this makes it easier to keep up if you participate.”

The takeaway? Starting each class with a brief quiz can build a sense of structure and engagement - without overwhelming your students or yourself.

Even shy or quiet students begin to warm up and contribute, thanks to the safe, consistent rhythm Wooclap helps create.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Tool, But What You Do With It

Viroj reminds us that Wooclap is a means, not an end. When used with care and purpose, it becomes a pedagogical ally - one that encourages active learning, builds student confidence, and fosters self-reflection.

Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or just starting to integrate technology into your classroom, his advice is clear: start small, stay consistent, and focus on helping students learn better- not just faster.