It definitely makes things more fun to review. Students cdan tune out when doing a straight forward review.
Playing games in relation to material to be tested is a active break to help reenforce learned material on so many different levels. Much as the 80% active vs. 20% lecture.
I have only used games as a review in class before(as in days before) a test...I will try it before a test to relieve some anxiety!
I have played Jeopardy with my students as a review before a major test. It make a very pleasant and fun day where they really don't think they are learning, but are suprised when they take the exam and do very well on it. My students have resently asked to do jeopardy review before they take their exit exam to help them study for that test.
Many times I find that students are pretty nervous just prior to taking an exam, especially if the test is the first one for a particlular class. Playing a quick question/answer time. or having students read a related article from a printed resource will many times let the student relax a little more and make the test seem less unknown. Even having the students discuss a particular topic for a brief time can lessen their fears. The only thing that I find that I have to be aware of, is not to let the discussions get of onto another topic or let the students loos the focus of the subject.
I like games as well. It's a good way to try and get everyone involved. I have noticed better test results from finding a fun way to review the material we covered in class.
we did use your idea on tuesday with my afternoon class and they loved it and it made them more relaxed overall.
to help students with test taking play a game like family fued when reviewing for the test
Great idea! I can see that playing games before an exam sounds like a great strategy to ease test anxiety and help review at the same time. I normally use a jeopardy style approach to the game, and that seems to work well.
