Using Task Cards for Test Prep

Task cards are a popular classroom resource all year long for all subjects, including test prep! I love task cards, and so do my students. The task cards that we use for test prep, are test style task cards. They have a task for students to solve and multiple choice answers to choose from. They relate using task cards to playing a game. Yes, a game! Here’s why…

In my classroom, task cards are used to not only review a concept but to interact and help each other. We utilize cooperative learning strategies every time task cards are put to use.

Partner Up

Students are partnered up. Individually, both students solve the problem on the task card. When both students are finished, they compare their answers. If they agree, they move onto another task. If they disagree, they compare their problems and arrive at a solution together.

Ask-n-Switch

Ask-n-Switch is a great whole class cooperative learning activity. To begin with each student is given a task card. They walk around the room, find a partner, quiz them on the card that they have, then switch cards. You can find more in-depth directions HERE.

Pick A Card

Another fun cooperative learning strategy students love is Pick a Card! Students take turns fanning the task cards, one partner picks a card, one answers, and other checks. This strategy is ideal for teams of four. More in-depth directions for Pick A Card can be found HERE.

Enrichment

We all have those exceptional students that get bored because they don’t necessarily need the review, so there is an alternative that they LOVE!

We call it “You Make the Question”. Since all multiple choice answers are not the right answer to the question given, they pick one of the incorrect answers and make their own test question. Then, they give their question to their partner for them to solve. Students are using higher level thinking, because they have to essentially work backwards. It’s something different, and they love it!