Study Reveals How to Make Better Flashcards for Learning

In a  study of by the Montessori Primary Classroom of laminated teaching materials, square vs. rounded flashcards were tested for their engagement among children.

Results showed that children were more likely to handle and interact with the rounded cards. The study came as a result of children pricking their fingers on square edge flashcards and thus tending not to use them.

On average, each classroom saw the rounded cards used 1.54 times more per day or 7.7 times more per week. Between 80% and 100% of responding teachers rated the rounded corner cards excellent in the measured areas.

The children in the study commented on the edge of the square cards as being “pokey” while no comments were made on the rounded corner cards.

In addition the study revealed that cards laminated thinner than 1.5 mil became difficult for children to pick up, leading to a greater thickness recommendation for flash cards overall.

“Teachers may improve student interest in and repeated use of card  materials if they use a laminate thicker than 1.5 mil and round the corners. Rounding the corners will not detract from the appeal or usability of the cards, will overcome the resistance some children stated to squared  corners, and will remove the tactile distraction of “pokey” corners,” Julia Volkman, Montessori Primary Classroom Researcher

Get free flash card templates here: Free Flash card templates

See the videos for using laminated teaching materials in class: Video Demo

Recommended 5 Mil classroom laminator: The Saturn