Lois, thank you for the detailed explanation.
Michele Deck
As I mentioned earlier I use relay races to help with memorization of surgical instruments. I divide the class into two groups; each group stands in single file in front of a basin filled with instruments. Each student (without looking) reaches into the basin, pulls out an instrument and names it. We continue in the fashion until the first team has completed naming all their instruments. If a student does not know the answer they are encouraged to put the instrument back in basin and keep moving. The students love the challenge and comradarie. I also blind-fold my students and have them "feel" the surgical instruments and name them. The rest of the class is free to encourage the student blindfolded.
I have done Bingo, Jeopardy, and the match game and have done well with them. I like to assign bonus points after playing but I make sure all will by giving all points like 1st palce get 5 pts 2nd place get 3 points and so on.
I have used the hot potato style of game, crosswords, team guessing games(taboo), and a couple other improvised games. The best ones are the ones where the winning team gets Extra Credit because then it gets competitive and they seem to really care
Wouter, it is a fast, easy and engaging method.
Michele Deck
I like the post-it note idea! I think I'm going to try that in my next class. This sounds like a fun way to get some basic body parts remembered.
I have used word games, and the response has been very positive.
Lynn, I know your success using the number of activities will give you confidence to use others.
Michele Deck
I have used Bingo, Jeopardy, Concentration, Wheel of Fortune and hangman type games previously. I like the idea of charades because it makes the student more active rather than sitting and guessing at what the instructor is doing. Although I am not currently teaching Med Term, I do teach several classes where the content can become quite dry and these types of activities can really re-energize the class.
lisa, it is a quick and effective review strategy.
Michele Deck
The activity that I have used most in the past has been Jeopardy. It is a fun way to review material, but I really like the suggestions given for the visual and kinesthetic learners.
I just started using the Ball toss and the students really enjoy it, it helps them retain knowledge for their quizzes etc.
Jodie, this is a great idea and can easily be adapted to other body systems. I like it and will try it.
Michele Deck
Jodie, this is a creative and novel approach, thanks!
Michele Deck
james, this is also a lesson in critical thinking and teamwork. Thanks for sharing it.
Michele Deck
I created a scavenger hunt of sorts for an endocrine unit to help students learn hormones, action, and gland that secretes the hormone. I put pictures of the glands or flip chart paper with the name of the organ. Each team (pairs or trios) get post it notes that they are told to write the names of the hormones on ( if I have not done this) and a page with questions or statements that are numbered and they need too determine which hormone goes with the statement and put the number of the statement on the post it note having the hormone name. They then take the post it note and put it by the picture or flip chart having the name of the gland that secrete the hormone.
The couple of classes that I have done this with like the activity because they can move around besides getting two types of visual tools. They read the statement, see pictures of glands.
I have been thinking about doing this for other body systems.
In my anatomy & physiology class I often split my class into small groups ( pairs - four people) and ask them to discover the function of the various organs of a system. I often ask them to act these out as it makes it more kinesthetic. Some can be quite comical and even though the students don't believe that will make a difference many recall the acting out while taking an exam.
I create a test and give each student two questions to answer. They only answer those questions. They give their answer, the class can except the answer or each student has a right to challenge (one challenge for each student). They can challenge each other but they must except an answer. The class will receive one grade.
I have used crossword puzzels and jepordy in the past. The next term I will be teaching A&P and looking forward to incoorporating some of these ideas into my lesson plan.
I've borrowed the game of "Scrabble" and adapted it into a Medical Term. format.
