Get Your Students Hired
The day prior a test, I conduct a test review and make it a fun exercise. I divide the class in teams and either do a Jeopardy Game or any other type of competitive game. Asking questions from the class content, it is amazing how the students will be giving their 100% attention and seem to retain the content more accurately.
I have seen a direct impact on the grade of the students and more importantly their understanding of the content.
Daniel
In past classes I have used this game ass well. I have also used "Family Feud".Regardless of which game I used, the students had fun and did much better on their test. This probally the only time I have said thank God for TV.
Amber,
Great. Games, when integrated into the instructional process are great, as students don't feel like they're working at learning, but having fun. In fact, they're doing both!
Barry Westling
Wes,
This is a wonderful example of a resource, an ecercise, and an activity that converge to form a desired learning outcome. Authors put those beginning reviews there for a reason and to not recognize it's value is like haveing an option on a car that is never used.
Barry Westling
I have also played a "medical Jeopardy" type game with my MA and MBIC classes. They love it. I find that if I skip a game for whatever reason on any given subject, their test scores drop a couple of points. So I always do it as a way of reviewing, and it not only makes it fun but it also increases their thirst for knowledge.
I have also found that using my chapter review at the beginning of a chapter or section in the course aids in getting the students engaged and ready for the new material. It is amazing seeing the looks on their faces when the exact same review is given prior to the chapter test. This greatly reduces student anxiety...expecially in a career college setting.
I couldn't agree more Daniel. I also like to make up games to review the subject material. I use Jeopardy, bingo, wheel of fortune and a race game. Students of all ages like games and it creates an excitement for learning and the competetiveness is also fun for them. They seem to look forward to game review and I see improved test scores as a result! Everyone wins. I also like to put them into small study groups to study beforehand if time allows.
Roxsie,
Yes, I agree too. And, this same technique can be done during the instructional portion of the class, not just test review. As a lecture is proceeding, call out individual names and ask questions to "check for understanding".
Barry Westling
This is a great idea and I can see how it will really enhance the retention of knowledge.
Julie,
Great. These are great ways to both review and make it fun too. I think amid it all, we need to make sure what we review is closely related to the test. Reviewing whole chunks of information, then not testing on it makes students feel like they spent too much time studying the wrong material, and some may feel their teacher mislead them in preparing for the examination. No surprises. I try to do all I can to teach the material, all I can do to review it clearly, and I have few complaints about "we didn't know what would be on the test".
Barry Westling
Test Review is one of my favorite things to do in the classroom. I do an oral test review where I ask questions aloud and encourgage each student to answer by calling their names. I also do a Bingo game or a Jeopardy, which helps the students retain the information because it is a challenge. I find it really rewarding to do review and listen to the students get excited about answering the questions so they can be proud to show that they have payed attention to the instructor in the classroom.
Daniel,
This is terrific: interactive, engaged students, reinforcement of material, fun activity. All the makings of a great exam review!
Barry Westling