Keeping students interested
I have come up with medical jeopardy for my students over the subjects covered in class. They get very competive over this.
I've found Jeopardy to be the best game to incorporate into learning. Not only does it cover the course material in a way that is fun to the students, but the fact that the game has rules and guidelines keeps instilling discipline into the learners even though it's a scenario that seems laid back and easy going.
Hi Cindy,
Games are always fun when used in connection with learning! It is amazing how much students really learn/retain from playing a game to help prepare for a test. There is nothing like learning while having fun!
Patricia
I have just incorporated the game "Who wants To Be a Millionaire?" as a review prior to the midterm exam. I set up two groups and assigned the leaders of the group. As a group they had to discuss the questions and come up with the answer. They had all the perks also - 50/50, call a friend (they could actual use their cell phones to call a friend), ask the audience. I gave the winning team a couple of bonus points for the midterm. They really enjoyed themselves and interacted as team players. I plan on using this same procedure for the final exam review and we will be bringing in some goodies to munch on (at their suggestion). They will be deciding on who will be bringing what - again group interaction.
Jeopardy is very helpful and I have found it engages students that normally are not. Goes to show different people respond to different stimuli.
I like the idea of a review game. Instead of the board maybe have paper that they write on and hold up (work as a team). The could also incorporate texting - phone or online instant messaging.
I like the medical jeopardy to keep the student
interested. I also use bingo, or play a relay game with two teams. Any activity that breaks up
lecture for awhile will keep the student engaged in the subject.
Hi Trasey,
Students love their cell phones so much; as educators it is pretty neat whenever you can incorporate cell phones in the classroom lesson.
Patricia
I use a website that allows me to set up a "poll" question. I prefer multiple choice questions and use this as a review. It then allows the students to text in their answers with their cell phones. Remind them regular charges apply but it gives them a pretty cool way to use their phone in class.
Occasionally we us bells or something that makes noise in order to "buzz in" during a review game or excercise. I enjoy using those games as well and my students enjoy how it breaks up the monotony of lecture and discussions. Even my adult leaners really get into these review games. I enjoy seeing them answer the questions correctly and get very excited about winning the game. It's refreshing!
My students really look forward to the different games and activities. I have been able to watch some students really come alive and become good leaders in group activities. I take pictures and videos of the group activities and post them on a bulliten board. This lets them know that I am proud of their efforts.
I have come up with a variety of this that keep the students interested and enthusiastic. One is a review game I play with them after each chapter that we cover. The class splits up into two equal teams. I will ask a question and one person from each team has to go to the board and the first person to get the answer on the board gets the point for their team. If the person at the board is struggling with the answer one of their team members who knows the answer must run up and try and get the answer on the board before the other team. The students love this game and are very motivated and they pull together and work a a team.
I also play games like this with my students. They seem to really like it and get quite competitive. Sometimes they get ticked off because they believe I asked the other group easier questions.
I alway find trying to keep it real in the class room works for me. A joke or an ice breaker works really well.
Hi Jacqueline,
Great combination...having fun while learning. Bingo and Jeopardy are my two favorite games to have my students play. The students absolutely have a ball.
Patricia
That is a good way to have the students engage in class. I have a bingo game for my students and they really enjoy playing it and it also engages the students in class. Not to mention they actually are learning when having fun!
