How to use worksheets effectively in class?

Worksheets are regarded as a great tool for teachers to use in the classroom. They provide structure and guidance while allowing students to practice skills they have been learning. When used effectively, worksheets can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as reinforce previously learned concepts. This article will shed light on some tips on how to use worksheets in class effectively.

How to use worksheets effectively in class?

First, teachers need to have eye-catching worksheets that will arouse their student’s interest at the first glance. Creating a worksheet manually takes a lot of time and energy, therefore, teachers should resort to websites specializing in producing state-of-the-art worksheets such as Worksheetzone.org - the place that will help students step out of their comfort zone. It is important for teachers to seek suitable worksheets with assignments that align with students’ curriculum goals.

Students should understand what they need to do and why it is important for them to complete the assignment correctly. Teachers should also make sure that each student has access to all of the materials needed such as pencils, paper, and calculators. So there isn’t any confusion when completing an assignment or activity sheet-related task.

Second, before handing out a worksheet, teachers must ensure that their instructions are clear. This will eliminate any misunderstandings about expectations of completion time frame, accuracy level required, etc. In addition, it would be beneficial if a teacher could demonstrate how specific elements within a given worksheet needs to be completed prior to moving on to other tasks. Apart from letting students accomplish the task in worksheets on their own and then scoring them traditionally, there are five engaging activities that help students make the most of their worksheets:

1. RECIPROCAL LEARNING
   

   How it works: Students work in pairs and take turns coaching each other. Each student has their own set of problems/questions, and their partner has the answers. For example, student A has the answers to student B’s questions, and student B has the answers to student A’s questions. Students go back and forth coaching each other, not giving the answer but helping their partner figure it out.
   

   
   

   How to set it up: Split your worksheet into two sections. This can be as simple as saying “student A will do the evens and student B will do the odds.” Or, if the worksheet can be easily split down the middle, that works great, too. Next, prepare the answer keys for each partner. An easy way to do this is to print two copies of your answer key and then white out or cover the answers that shouldn’t be on each partner’s key. Print enough copies so that each group has a worksheet for student A, a worksheet for student B, answers for student A, and answers for student B. (If you are having students work problems from a book, you can simply write the #’s each student is to solve on the board.)
   

   
   

2. SHOWDOWN
   

   How it works: students review or practice problems in groups of three or four. One student in each group (designated the Showdown Captain) reads the first question and all students write their answer on their own paper, tablet, or personal whiteboard, without letting anyone else see their answer. When everyone is ready, the Captain says “Showdown” and everyone shows their answers. Students then compare their responses and discuss any discrepancies. After that, the next student in the group assumes the responsibility of Showdown Captain and reads question #2. The process continues until students finish all questions or time has run out.
   

   
   

   How to set it up:  set up for Showdown is super easy. Simply choose an existing worksheet or questions from a textbook for students to answer. Then explain the activity to your students and be available to intervene and answer questions as needed. (You can also add an extra bit of fun by having students answer on personal whiteboards like these.)
   

   
   

3. QUIZ, QUIZ, TRADE
   

   How it works: Each student starts with a flashcard containing a question on the front and the answer on the back. Students mix and mingle, looking for a partner for the quiz. Student A asks Student B the question on their flashcard, then Student B asks student A the question on their flashcard. (If a student doesn't know the answer, their partner helps coach them to it.) After both questions are answered, students trade cards. They then raise their hands to signal they are ready for a new partner. After finding someone else with a raised hand, they pair up with their new partner and repeat the process until the time is up.
   

   
   

   How to set it up: This activity requires flashcards. You can either make them on your own ahead of time or have students make them in class before starting the activity. To make them yourself, simply cut up an existing worksheet and glue one question to each card. Fill in the answers on the back either by hand or by cutting & pasting the answers from the answer key. If you don’t have time to make the flashcards yourself, enlist a student to make them for you. Or, have students make their own flashcards in class. Provide each student a blank flash card and have them write one question – either from their notes, from the textbook, or from a worksheet you provide. That will become their first card. (Don’t worry if more than one student chooses the same question. It’s not a problem.)

4. THE FLASHCARD GAME
   

   How it works: Students pair up and use flashcards to review in three rounds. Each pair gets a set of flashcards. For round 1, student A uses flashcards to quiz student B, giving as many clues as needed for student B to figure out the answer. Then they switch and student B quizzes student A. For round 2, fewer clues are given, and if the student doesn’t know the answer after one or two clues, the card goes back into the deck to try again at the end. Finally, in round 3, no clues are given at all.
   

   
   

   How to set it up: This activity requires a set of flashcards for each pair of students, which can take a bit of time to set up. To save time, consider having students create their own sets of flashcards based on a worksheet, the textbook, or their notes. This is a worthwhile learning activity in itself and works great as a precursor to the flashcard game.
   

   
   

5. GROUP CONTEST
   

   How it works: Add an extra level of engagement to literally any worksheet by making it a group contest where the first group to get all the answers correct (or the most answers correct) wins. The key: assign certain questions to each student. For example, if the worksheet has 20 questions and your students are working in groups of 4, write on the board:
   

   Student A does #1, 5, 9, 13, and 17
   

   Student B does #2, 6, 10, 14 and 18
   

   Student C does #3, 7, 11, 15 and 19
   

   Student D does #4, 8, 12, 16 and 20
   

   Everyone can help each other as needed, but with this method, each student feels personal responsibility and no one can skate by simply sitting around watching the rest of the group work.
   

   
   

   How to set it up: Pretty much no setup needed on this one. Simply divide your class into groups, hand out the worksheet, and write on the board which student does which problems. That’s it!

Finally, once completed; teachers must take time to review student work by providing feedback either verbally through discussion or in written form using comments or marks; this will allow learners to gain a better understanding of areas that require further development and practice or where improvements have been made since the last attempt at similar type exercise. Overall by following these steps; worksheet activities become a more engaging and effective method of teaching and learning process inside classrooms.