Learning Lab

Matching activities are usually done in small groups or pairs. Each group is given two sets of cards which they match together cooperatively, pooling their knowledge and understanding as they do so.

Uses of matching activities

Matching activities can consist of:

• specialised terminology matched with definitions or meanings
• components of diagrams or graphics matched with their technical names
• conceptual terms matched with meanings
• objects matched with estimated measurements (numeracy)
• pictures of tools or equipment with their names or uses.

They can also be extended to three sets of cards, for instance pictures of tools, names of the tools, matched with what they would be used for.

These activities can be used:

• As short activities to begin or end a session
• To introduce new language or terminology
• To clarify concepts and their meanings
• As a brief re-visit of concepts or language previously covered in the course
• As an opportunity to find out what learners already know (their existing knowledge) before commencing a new topic

Note: When using matching activities to focus on language and terminology it is a good idea to encourage students to use the language themselves by talking in their small groups about what they are choosing and why, and by asking some of them to read out their responses to ensure pronunciation is correct.

Benefits of matching activities

Matching activities are non-threatening because all of the ‘answers’ are there and difficult items can be worked out by a process of elimination.

They boost student confidence because they acknowledge their existing knowledge rather than having the teacher as the only expert.

Matching activities encourage students to share their different areas of expertise. Establishing a cooperative approach through structured activities like this tends to have flow on benefits as students will then help each other in other aspects of their theory and practical work.

They allow the teacher to observe student learning/understanding. By listening to a group discussion they can pick up on students’ areas of strength and weakness.

They provide opportunities for students to give feedback about their thinking to the teacher as they discuss the reasons for their choices. This empowers learners and provides insight on their level of confidence for the teacher.

Some ideas from prior participants

Electrical trades

Examples of matching terms to visuals

Plumbing—Matching activity

A Wall Mounted Basin

Match the words in the box below to the correct parts of the diagram