Pear-fect Teaching: Quick Wins with Pear Deck

By Christie Milam, LCHS

In today’s digital learning environment, keeping students engaged can be one of the biggest challenges for educators. Interactive tools like Pear Deck make it easier to transform ordinary lessons into active learning experiences. Whether you’re teaching in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid setting, Pear Deck helps ensure every student has a voice.

In this post, we’ll explore what Pear Deck is, why it’s so powerful in the classroom, and three simple ways you can start using it right away.

What Is Pear Deck?

Pear Deck is an interactive add-on for Google Slides and PowerPoint that allows teachers to make their presentations engaging and student-centered. Instead of passively watching slides, students can respond to questions in real-time from their own devices.

Key Features Include:

• Multiple choice, text, and number response questions

• Draggable and drawing tools for interactive problem-solving

• Real-time feedback for teachers to assess understanding

• Integration with familiar tools like Google Drive and Microsoft Teams

Why Use Pear Deck in Education?

Pear Deck encourages 100% participation. Instead of calling on a handful of students, you can capture input from the entire class at once. This is especially valuable for shy students or those who need more time to process.

Benefits for Teachers and Students:

• Quick formative assessment without extra grading

• Inclusive participation—every student has a voice

• Instant data to guide instruction

• Fun, game-like interaction that boosts engagement

Classroom Applications:

• Do Nows / Bell Ringers: Start class with a quick Pear Deck slide to spark thinking.

• Checks for Understanding: Use interactive questions mid-lesson to see if students are on track.

• Exit Tickets: Collect reflections or questions at the end of class to guide tomorrow’s lesson.

How to Get Started with Pear Deck

Getting started is simple, even if you’re new to EdTech.

1. Install Pear Deck Add-On

   • In Google Slides: Go to Extensions → Add-ons → Get add-ons, then search for Pear Deck

   • In PowerPoint: Download Pear Deck from the Office Add-Ins store.

2. Create an Interactive Slide

   • Open a lesson you already use.

   • Add one Pear Deck question type (multiple choice, text response, or draggable).

3. Launch a Session

   • Click “Start Lesson.”

   • Share the join code with your students (they can log in from any device).

4. Collect Responses in Real Time

   • View anonymous student answers on your dashboard.

   • Share them with the class to spark discussion or clarify misconceptions.

Best Practices & Tips for Success

• Start Small: Add just one Pear Deck slide to an existing lesson instead of redesigning everything.

• Use It for Routine Checks: Daily warm-ups, exit tickets, or mid-lesson polls work perfectly.

• Balance Fun with Purpose: Use drawing or draggable slides for engagement, but connect them directly to learning goals.

• Avoid Tech Overload: Don’t overwhelm students with too many interactive slides at once—3–5 per lesson is often enough.

Conclusion

By incorporating Pear Deck into your teaching practice, you can increase engagement, check for understanding in real time, and give every student a chance to participate. Start small with one or two interactive slides, and you’ll quickly see how this tool can transform your classroom dynamic.