I normally use task cards as a review before an assessment. The following set includes questions involving adding and subtracting rational numbers. Task cards are a hybrid of stations. What I like most about task cards is that groups (2 to 4) work at their own pace, not having to worry about a timer that indicates they should be finished. This alleviates groups from waiting on other groups and groups feeling that they have to go faster than they should just to keep up.
These are a little more work for the teacher in that they need correct multiple groups when they are finished, but I think the upside definitely outweighs this.
• Students start with the same task card. Each task card contains four sections which may contain multiple questions.
• Students work as a collaborative team to answer each question.
• Teams raise their hands when the group is finished. Everyone must have the same answer and show work for every single problem.
• The teacher checks the work and answers of a random group member ensuring everything is correct. Groups are given a new task card if they are correct. They are given advice/guidance if they are not. They are told what they need to go back and check. Teachers decide how much help should be given to the group based on their level.
• The process continues until the end of the period.
Task cards promote collaborative thinking. They allow the students to work though their struggles as a group instead of waiting for the teacher to provide the correct answers. They are great for both homogenous and heterogenous groups depending what your intentions are. Homogenous groups allow the teacher to concentrate and provide extra support for lower groups while higher groups work on their own.