Card Sorting

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Card sorting activities involve users putting information in a sequence or matching key words to their respective definitions. This is a really good method of determining the understanding of individuals and promoting an individual’s collaborative and interpretative skills.

Card sorts can also utilise images and molecular structures where learners can label images and name molecules. They are a great revision tool where understanding of a variety of topics can be consolidated. The versatility of card sorts is also admirable as they can be used for any topic from any subject.
 
There are two main types of card sorts:

• Closed card sorts: users sort items into predetermined locations. The answers are either right or wrong. This is great for AfL tasks and lesson plenaries.

• Open card sorts: users sort items into opinion based locations. This is an excellent method of generating discussion and promoting the justification and reasoning of opinions. It can be used throughout the lesson.

Traditionally, card sorts are done by hand but now interactive computer programs can be used where the learner uses the computer mouse to drag and drop information into the correct order/sequence.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Promotes learning conversations	Takes time to make the cards
Learners are engaged easily	May need laminating to prevent damage
Kinaesthetic learner friendly	Spare cards may be needed in case of damage or loss of cards
Enables whole class learning to be assessed
Easier AfL
Differentiation and lesson recycling made simple
Cross curricular