Response+Cards

**Response Cards**

**Content** Response cards can be used across the curriculum, but will be used for Social Studies content in this example.

**Grade Level** 8th grade social studies

**Curriculum Standards**
 * SS.O.8.2.1- analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the United States and West Virginia state government.
 * SS.O.8.22- cite the elected officials at the national, state and local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g., President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates, Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners, Mayor/City Council)

**Description of Practices** Response cards are defined as "cards, signs or items (such as felt boards) that are simultaneously held up by all students in the class to display their responses to questions or problems presented by the teacher". Response cards are now involving the use of technology, as clickers and interactive student response systems can replace standard response cards.

For this example, students will be reviewing the 3 branches of government using dry erase boards as response cards.
 * The teacher will pose questions to the students about the three branches of government (executive, judicial, legislative).
 * The students will have to determine which branch of government the teacher is describing and write that branch on their response card.
 * Once students write their response, they will hold up their response card for the teacher to check.
 * If multiple students answer incorrectly, the teacher will review the right response.
 * Some questions the teacher could pose for students are as follows:
 * Which branch of government consists of the President, Vice President and cabinet members? (Executive)
 * Which branch of government write the laws on the bills? (Legislative)
 * Which branch of government explains and enforces the laws? (Judicial)
 * What branch carries out federal laws and recommends new ones? (Executive)
 * What branch commands the Armed Forces? (Executive)
 * What branch includes the House of Representatives and the Senate? (Legislative)
 * Which branch holds the power to impeach officials? (Legislative)
 * The Supreme Court is the head of what branch? (Judicial)
 * Which branch oversees the court system of the US? (Judicial)

**Implementation Considerations** The use of response cards is ideally used in a whole group setting, but can also be used in a small group setting.

**Example** This video shows how response cards can be used in the classroom, as well as how they can be used as an effective behavioral management tool: "http://www.youtube.com/embed/E_6qwIdlc8M"

**Citation** George, C. L. (2010). Effects of response cards on performance and participation in social studies for middle school students with emotional and behavioral disorders. //Behavioral Disorders//,//35//(3), 200-213.