How to rig a wheel of names (and why to avoid it!)

Updated: January 15, 2026

• Digital wheels of names are designed to be random and transparent.
• Intentionally rigging outcomes can undermine student trust and classroom fairness.
• Some tools allow visible participation controls, such as removing selected names after a spin.
• These settings help balance involvement without secretly forcing results.
• Biasing outcomes toward specific students or answers can feel unfair or manipulative.
• A lack of transparency may reduce engagement and damage classroom relationships.
• A better approach is to structure the wheel openly, for example by using separate wheels for groups.
• Only include students or tasks that are genuinely eligible for selection at that time.
• When learners understand how the wheel is set up, trust and engagement increase.