using cards to manage LARGE classes

[Fred Brewer]

I use to have a tough time eliciting responses from my Senior 1 students in China. But here's a technique that works like a gem.

1. Buy two decks of cards

2. Distribute one deck to your students, one card per student (if you have more than 52 students then just call on those without cards later).

3. On the board, draw four columns from left to right. Each column is headed by one of the symbols (Heart, Diamond, Spade, Club)

4. Ask your question or present your topic for discussion.

5. When you are ready to elicit responses, draw 4 or 5 cards from the second deck. Write the cards you've drawn on the board. For example: if you draw the Queen of Hearts, draw a "Q" under the Hearts column on the board.

6. Ask the students holding the selected cards to share their responses.

The first time I used this technique in my classes, the change was immediate. They are much more attentive now and try harder to prepare their answers in case their card is drawn. A big fun element has also been added because they get really excited to see what cards were selected.