Game Time
I have very large classes 23, to 25 students. I like playing games but not very good at it. I would love some suggestions.
Hi Cecilia:
Games can be a great way to change up the energy of the learning environment. In fact, some instructors feel that using them on a regular basis is a good way to reinforce learning.
Regards, Barry
I agree. Games get the students engaged and energized. I feel some healthy competition is also a great motivater, while they are reiewing and working as a team at the same time.
I use a "race horse" game, and several other ones found on-line as templates, such as "Blast It", Jeopordy, and many others. My students love to use my games for review!
I agree. I love using the Family Feud style when verbally testing my A&P students on muscles. The competition is great, the output awesome and they enjoy learning the material.
Hi Laura:
Great!. I think when students can learn and have fun in the process they will be more likely to retain the needed information.
Regards, Barry
I have turned the midterm review into a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire style of a game. It worked in my small classes better, and had the students being competitive and interactive.
Hi Ondrea:
When a teacher can make learning seem like fun, they've achieved something worthwhile. It sounds like you've found that in your trivia game. Good for you!
Regards, Barry
One game that i like to play is trivia. I have about the same number of students. i like this game and think it is a highly effective study tool. basically you split class into two teams and you take information taught during the entire week and have a person from each team go up to the board and attempt to answer the question after you ask the question aloud. The first one to get the answer on the board spelled correctly gets the point. I do also offer a bail out, if the student doesnt know the answer they can consult with their team members for the correct answer and attempt to write it before the other side does.Its loads of fun and i usually reward the winners with a free h.w assignment or extra credit.students have told me it helps them retain the information taught.
Hi Anjelica:
Great idea and very creative too! Learning described as games or puzzles, or Q&A, etc are a fun and effective method to integrate your lesson material in a lighter delivery format.
Regards, Barry
OMG!! I love games. It brings a different style of teaching and the students really enjoy it. I love to play Phlenopoly. That is Phlebotomy and monopoly combined. I make fake money and draw the board game on the board. Normally split my teams into 2. There is alot of planning that needs to take place in order for this to work but once you do it 1 time then you will always have it for another class. We also play bingo with skittles and give a small prize at the end.
Hi Nathan:
Games (disguised as learning) are fun, interesting to students, and create an active motiovated learning environment for students. When we can capture attention like that, we should capitalize on it.
Regards, Barry
Jeopardy RULES! We use the jeopardy set up a couple times when reviewing topics that are lecture heavy like pathogens. Students are placed in groups that they get to name and a little friendly competition really gets the students attention.
Hi Scott:
Great combination technique merging different media into your lesson.
Regards, Barry
I use the game method as well for my classes and it works, but I also try to tie in some videos that have to deal with the course content and then we review the video with certain questions I have prepared for them, to see if they were paying attention, a visual and word game.
Hi Jessica:
I agree. When we can be creative and make learning fun, whether it's by games, or puzzles, or whatever, the students are more likely going to wantb to participate and thereby, become engaged in learning.
Regards, Barry
Games are a great way to review for exams, especially for terminology quizzes.
Hi Gretchen:
Games are helpful and fun. It makes learning not seem so much like learning. Jeopardy is is particularly good example.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kimberly:
Glad you're benefiting from the course.
Regards, Barry
I really appreciate every one sending suggestions. You guys have really motivated me more to finally include games into my learning sessions. Iam very excited too!. I know the students will enjoy.
Hi Kimberly:
Great. Glad you can use some of the information from this course.
Regards, Barry
