Card Talk Discussion Strategy: Explanation
This activity uses cards to encourage learners to discuss different aspects of a topic.
You can use it with pairs or groups.
Create a set of cards, each containing a question or statement related to the topic of study.
Photocopy the cards so you have enough sets for the number of groups or pairs who will be discussing.
Begin the activity by moving learners into pairs or groups.
Give each pair/group a set of cards.
The cards should be face down, so that learners can’t see what’s written on them.
Charge one member of each pair/group with stewardship of the cards.
Explain to the class what is on the cards and that, on the teacher’s say so, the stewards should turn over the top card (or select one at random) and that learners should then start discussing whatever is written on it.
At timed intervals, signal for a new card to be drawn.
The discussion moves to whatever is written on the new card.
An alternative method, which is easier on the resources, involves making one set of cards and holding on to these.
Pick a learner and ask them to select a card at random. Read out what’s on the card and ask learners to discuss this in pairs or groups. Repeat as many times as is useful.
Card Talk Discussion Strategy: Example
Topic: Human Biology
Examples of what might be written on the cards:
- Questions: What role has natural selection played in the development of the human body? How do muscles function? Is there an ideal diet? What might be the consequences of being vaccinated?
- Statements: Explanations in biology rely on chemistry and physics; Genes are the key influence on human behaviour; Experiments can give us true knowledge of the human body.
Drawing these at random means learners must be alive to the different parts of whatever topic they have studied.
It also creates juxtapositions that might lead learners to look at ideas and concepts afresh.
For example, if the final statement above was drawn directly after the final question, it may cause learners to discuss the ethics of studying ‘medicine in action’ and the problems and difficulties that come with such studies.
Another approach is to give the class the topic and to then give each learner a single piece of card.
You can ask half the class to think of a question to write on their cards and the other half to come up with statements.
Collect these in, shuffle them and then draw them at random for the purposes of the discussion (this method is a great way to get learners thinking actively about the topic before the discussion begins).
Card Talk Discussion Strategy: Extensions and Developments
- After each mini discussion, the stewards are asked to stand up and find a new partner or group. When settled, they draw a new card and begin a new discussion.
- Challenge learners to connect their discussions together, no matter how difficult that may seem. Creating continuous connections will cause learners to think creatively about the topic and to analyse in depth the various things they talk about.
