Show Me Cards

You will need laminated A4 cards. (Off white is best)

The whole class is asked a question and all the learners have to write the answer on their card. The cards are held face down until the learners are all told to hold them up in the air. In this way all the learners must answer the question and weaknesses in the individual learner responses can be noted.

Note: don’t forget the dry wipe pens and some wet wipes for the cards and the student’s hands.

Yes/no, true/false or A B C D cards

These can also be used to ascertain an immediate response from all learners.

Click on the following link to down load the cards: Link

Traffic light cards can also be very effective. However this system does need careful management and all learners need to have a clear understanding of the requirements.

Traffic light cards are again used to determine how knowledgeable every member of the group is. Care must be taken not to make the weaker candidates feel foolish.

How to use:

• Ask the learners to hold up the green card if they are confident they know the answer to your question
• Hold up the amber card if they think they have the correct answer
• Hold up the red card if they have no idea

You then observe the responses and decide whether to ask a green card holder the answer. Encourage an amber or red card holder to answer by breaking down the question. You could instruct all the red/amber card holders to discuss the possible answers with the green card holders and then re-ask the question. On completion of the lesson it is a good idea to recap using the same questions and card technique; hopefully all learners will now hold up green cards. Your objectives will have been met.

From personal experience, I believe this to be an excellent teaching tool as if used regularly the learners soon realise they can not take a back seat as they will get found out.