Using Response Cards to Increase Student Participation This presentation is adapted from a larger-scale Reading Strategies PowerPoint prepared for the October 13, 2007, ABRAZO workshop by Rebecca McKinlay Sheinberg Professional Development Services ABRAZO-New Teacher Induction

What are Response Cards? Cards or small boards that are simultaneously held up by all students in a class that indicate the answer to a question posed to the class. Each student is expected to answer every question -- rather than to sit throughout the class period waiting for the one or two times he or she may be called upon to respond to the teacher’s question.

Types of Response Cards Preprinted cards (available from educational publishers or preprinted by the teacher) Student-made cards (made from simple cardboard, index cards, or any heavy paper stock) Write-on cards (laminated cards, chalkboards, white boards)

NEW ENGLAND MIDDLE SOUTHERN

Just think... 3,700 “If response cards were used instead of hand raising for just 30 minutes per day, each student would make more than 3,700 additional academic responses during the school year.” (Heward et al, 1996)

Benefits of Response Cards  Participation level of all students  Opportunity for students to learn from each other  On-task behavior  Assists teachers in monitoring student progress  Provides immediate feedback to teacher and students  Is highly motivating and fun

Response Cards Now Everyone Can Answer Give three (3) examples of how you can use response cards with your students