Learning Games
I have always thought that it is a win win situation when I can have students do a puzzle or word game to help them learn new material. It is kind of like tricking them into learning, before they know it they learned something new despite in some cases what appears to be their best efforts not to. In the past I have used basic puzzles like crosswords or word searches. The more advanced games that this topic discusses intrigue me and I would like to develop a game to take the place of lecture. Do you think it is possible to replace some lecture time, in a one to one ratio, for concepts like ohms law application or lessons on engine management component identification? Not having played the games listed are some games better suited for some types of learning verses others (like concepts verses component identification)?
Linnie,
and I've found that when coupled with a great debrief these games are very powerful.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Games stimulate the basic competetive nature, which will give the student no choice but to learn!
I do agree with that thought process is no different than working out it does not to be a chore if you can make a game out of working out.
Same is true with learning when you involve all the sences students do not realize they and learning and have fun doing it.
One game i have used is the definition game; i will have the students break up into small groups. Have research definitions to components or specific engine terminolgy. then they will also make up fake ones. then the teams take turns taking the name of the component or term out of the hat. whoever has the definition will give it, then the other team has to decide if is real or not. points are awarded for correct answers, wrong answers the other team gets the points. they have alot of fun and it makes them think in the abstract to come up with wrong answers close enough to the real ones.
I don't use any games per say however I like the idea of using analogies I have found that if I relate what I am teaching to something my students can all relate to it really helps them understand the material better.
I agree with Steve, puzzles and such also helps as a review to the material.
I have used crosswords in the past and students seem to really enjoy them and it is challenging and fun at the same time.I am looking forward in researching some games and applying them to lab and lecture. It will be a good way to keep intrests of students especially with the more difficult content.
I would have to assume that different types of learners would have different feedback on utilizing games as learning instruments. Teaching in a culinary classroom has shown me that the more hands on learning I can do the better off I am at increasing information retention. Knife cut relays and iron chef type games have been very effective to reinforcing certain skills.
I do not use games as a learning tool, but we do breakout into groups and work on casestudies, which I find is a great way to promote problem solving and creative thinking.
Yes they do. I use a few games to explain to students how hard it can be to open their own restaurants. They we play the same games and I give them a few more pieces of information and they are able to complete the games with no problem. They really like it and enjoy this method of learning.
Hi Kelly!
Good job! I, too, have used games as a learning tool and students really enjoy and respond.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I have had great success using the game show format for review before tests and quizzes. Students really enjoy the format, and believe me--time will fly when you are doing this! It also really enforces what they know and what they need to review.
Lou,
It's so nice to see you post your words of wisdom on this discussion board. You were recently a guest speaker at our school and you shared some awesome ways to stimulate learning through game playing. I tried the "BINGO" game with my class, and it was a hit. It gave me the opportunity to recap some of the points I wanted them to remember. Thank you!
After a section of lecture I like to pull the white board out,and start with a little trivia about our last topic. After riding our dyno for the first time we wgain have a quickie quiz on what you could improve and how.
If I can take them out and show them what we are doing - I do.
Just presently we took a group of student that were going to history of Graphics Design to NY city to visit a few museums. We also took them out to the Platt river here in Denver to some life drawing.
When they learned about the printing press we took them to a print house.
Joumana, I couldn't agree more.
I would love to hear more about what you do in your classroom to make the subject more interesting.
Thanks,
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
I agree, anything to change up the traditional lecture is always a great idea.
I agree. I use these games as a review at the end of a lecture. Usually dividing the room into two groups helps them to challenge each other. With the right class this is fun for everyone. I have even given some of my better classes the opportunity to develop the games themselves.
Luis, as I have stated in earlier replies, I have found students enjoy games 1) if they are involed with the design/development of the game, and 2)when winners get some type of prize or reward (all students are winners in my classroom - I just try to come up with a way that that everyone gets a prize or reward.)
How could you make a game succesful?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
FD107 Facilitator
