Getting the best results with Flippers

These tips on how to get the best out of Flippers have come from teachers already using them in the classroom.

Best results are achieved if Flippers study cards are used daily or three to four times a week for chosen subjects.

They should be allocated a regular time slot. Their effectiveness increases when fully integrated into lesson formats.

In structured lessons, teachers at the start frequently outline the learning goals they wish pupils to achieve by the end of the period.

This normally includes absorbing a range of core facts and information. At the end of the lesson, teachers review the core agenda covered.

It is at this point that Flippers come into their own, with pupils noting down a range of brief questions and answers arising from the lesson - one question and answer per card.

In the early stages of using the cards, it may be necessary for teachers to pose both the questions and the answers.

They should also check pupils are noting them down correctly.

As pupils become used to Flippers, soon they will be writing down questions and answers on information they personally are weak or "fuzzy" upon.

The result: every pupil begins to create for themselves a versatile, personal educational resource.

How well they've absorbed lessons and facts can be checked out quickly and accurately by teachers.

In a one on one review, flip through the cards' questions and answers with the pupil. There is no dubiety about what the pupil actually knows.

For best results, teachers recommend:

  • Use Flippers cards regularly - daily is best.
  • At the start, show pupils examples of questions and answers.
  • Keep the information brief.
  • Only write one question and answer per card.
  • Always record both the question AND the answer on each card (question one side, answer on the other). Recording facts without questions means you can't do revision.
  • Use each Flippers booklet for only one subject.

Subjects Areas

The effectiveness of Flippers study cards as a learning aid is based on practical classroom experience.

Across the UK, teachers at primary and secondary schools have introduced and used them with considerable success for the following learning tasks:

  • Common words
  • Countries
  • Colours
  • Days of week
  • Figures of speech
  • Months
  • Sight vocabulary
  • Sounds recognition
  • Speaking and writing prompts
  • Spelling
  • Spelling reinforcement
  • Vocabulary
  • Words recognition
  • Addition/subtraction facts
  • Number bonds
  • Multiplication tables
  • Tables reinforcement
  • Art appreciation
  • Assessments
  • Biology terms
  • Chemistry formulae
  • Class group quizzes
  • Class and personal revision
  • Definitions
  • Exams revision
  • French word recognition
  • Foreign language phrases
  • Glossary
  • Homework
  • Individual/group testing
  • Inter-active assessment
  • Language support for bi-lingual students
  • Learning support
  • Music terms/ facts
  • Revision
flippers book

Survey

Pink Porcupine conducted a survey on the effectiveness of Flippers study cards in primary and secondary schools. Under the aegis of Glasgow City Council Education Services, a cross section of primary and secondary schools throughout the city participated. Teachers introduced Flippers into the classroom curriculum and monitored their effects. The results were impressive:

  • 94.4 per cent of all pupils liked using the cards
  • 80.4 per cent of all teachers were 'extremely satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their effectiveness - and wanted to continue using them

"They re-engage pupils with the learning process in a new way," teachers said.

Testimonials

"Very effective. Children enjoy using Flippers and are motivated to use them independently"

P7 teacher

Press

"Primary and secondary schools across Glasgow have given the thumbs-up to miniature personal study cards called Flippers which help children memorise core curriculum facts. Teacher comments noted improved levels of motivation among pupils and faster and faster and more fluent memorising of core information on everything from multiplication tables and English vocabulary to foreign languages and chemistry formulae"

Vic Rodrick, Times Educational Supplement Scotland