Use of games
Many of our books come with web pages that are super fun learning games. Many times i can do them in class, however i have found that students enjoy doing them at home to go back over gthe chapter covered in lecture
I have noticed this in my classrooms when we have played different games. Also, students who know what they are doing like to help other students, so group games help.
I think games are great. Sometimes someone says something that helps another remember that certain information.
I have used games as a way of testing material presented earlier. Rules of the game are given prior to the lecture. The game is played using audio/visual and verbal medial. The class is divided into small groups and gets very competitive.
I use all types of games to get information across. I use word games, game show games, question and answer. I like to get the students up and moving and encourage them to loose inhibitions and not worry about being embarrassed by looking goofy. Sometimes the mistakes or funny things that happen during the games are what help us remember some of the harder information.
Our reviews right before the test are in the form of a game. I think it actually sets the tone for the test and they start to see it as just an extension of the game. It seems to reduce their stress levels and they are able to do better on the test.
I have used life, clue, and monoploy in my business classs and they were a hit. we have also played battleship. students can be real competitive when they want to and this makes it fun!
I use Jeopardy to review and find that it definitely helps increase test scores.
Games connected with the topic make it more engaging and interesting
Matthew,
I don't know of any specific games, but I do try & remind the students frequently that the point of the game is to learn, not demolish the opponents.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I really want to try to implement this in my classroom. My students tend to be very competitive, though (to a fault). Do you know of any effective games that can utilize teamwork on a less competitive scale than usual? Also, math games would be nice.
I agree that games can be an effective learning tool in the classroom. I like to use a game as a stress relief after or doing a difficult class.Games can be used for re-enforcement of subject matter,but in a fun way.
Lovie,
I have found this to be true as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lovie,
I have found this to be true as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My students have actually stated to me that putting class work into a game helps them to retain the information better. :)
I agree games are a great way to apply knowledge & assess what the student has learned. Compitition is high and team members really support each other. My students enjoy it so much, thats all they want to do. I had to put a limit on game time. I explained that we will only play games when we are on schedule with the learning objectives for the day. That really got the students to focus better and go off topic a lot less during lecture time. They love to choose from the basket of goodies. Not only do I have candy available, I also have pensils, highlighters, etc. and occasionally gift cards.
I utilize the games that come with the books for review before a test, especially in my Anatomy & Physiology class. I also have candy as well on those days. The students get excited to review for a test, and they also tell me it helps them for the test. I usually do not have a student miss on review day, I think it's the candy that does it. I try to utilize anything possible to make their learning environment exciting because some chapters I lecture can be a little less interesting than others.
Even adults like prizes/rewards. My students really "get into" the competition. They are silly, make jokes, boo their opponent, and applaud when they are right. Yet, I can see their learning. Games can be a great way to apply knowledge and assess what the students know.
Pauline,
games connected with the content really are a great way for students to learn &/or review.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree, games can be an effective learning tool in the classroom
