Developing Subject Revision Cards to Enhance Learning and Engagement in Business Subjects in Higher Education

David Anderson & Davina Bird

We created Subject Revision Cards for several modules at the University of Lincoln. These had a simple concept of 50 words and phrases which represented the core content of a module. This style of games–based learning focused on using cards are more than recalling information, they act as catalysts for self-evaluation, reflection and knowledge building throughout a course. Educators can use these cards with students to identify knowledge gaps in their learning and target learning development.

Subject Revision Cards are a flexible tool which can be used to support learning any subject at any level, whether niche or general. They can be particularly powerful when paired with other tactile resources – such as wipeable cards, and simple games such as Just One or Don’t Say Umm. We find together these tools make the classroom more playful and reduce conversation barriers between students and tutors.

We’ve used the cards in various ways this year and have found the following to be particularly effective.

  1. Course Launch: Introduce core themes and terminology in the first weeks.
  2. Post-Lecture Review: Reinforce learning by recapping key concepts.
  3. Glossary Companion: Progressively build knowledge each week by pairing cards with definitions.
  4. End of Term Summary: Run as a concept sort, providing an overview of 12 weeks of learning in one place.
  5. Print at Home Option: Use an A4 template for students to print off their own revision pack

If you are interested in learning more about this project, we have published a case study in the Journal of Play in Adulthood with more details:

Anderson, D. R. & Bird, D., (2025) “Developing Subject Revision Cards to Enhance Learning and Engagement in Business Subjects in Higher Education: A Games-based Learning Case Study”, The Journal of Play in Adulthood 7(1), 58-78. doi: https://doi.org/10.5920/jpa.1658

We are providing an example of a Glossary Companion that you can adapt for your own use:

Glossary of Terms Innovation, Creativity and Change (Blank)Download

Below are also two simple MS Word templates for you to download to create your own subject revision vocabulary “deck” for students:

50 Cards Template Across Two PagesDownload
ICC Revision Cards – SINGLE PAGE – 50 wordsDownload

Please feel free to contact us at danderson@lincoln.ac.uk or dbird@lincoln.ac.uk if you would like further information or have any questions.