I used to use the Jeopardy game in my classes also, but of late I have found that there are several simulation software programs that have proven to be very effective in getting my students involved in the learning process, and helped them to hone skills that previously seemed difficult for them to acquire.
I find using games is a great way to break up an otherwise boring lecture. It's a good way to engage the students and the competitiveness seems to motivate them to provide correct answers.
Alexcia,
yes, games are a great way to help students with retention & review of key information.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that playing games in courses students retain more and are more eager to learn.
I've noticed something similar. I think it has to do with the competitiveness. More mature folks seem a little more laid back, a nd the competition doesn't seem to kick in. Maybe that drive or competitiveness helps the younger ones to remember.
The interaction of games works great for younger students and the older students like the competition so it is a win for all. Once I get a game started the students keep it going. We all have a little fun and the students learn something.
I agree that students that would not usually be involved do better with games. Most people are by nature competitive and games help with interpersonal skills.
In my experience, students respond positively to the game-like exercises as well. It provides entertainment, prospect of a reward (winning), and a better understanding of the material - all at the same time. I did notice that for me it was best to have regular classwork assignments first so that the new information would "sink in", afterwards employing games was something students were looking forward to.
I have also had the experience where not enough effort went into the development of the game. It had the appearance of a time filler. A well crafted game is fun and engaging. A poorly crafted one is usually an experience of going through the motions of learning.
Julia,
yes, the smaller classes are not always conducive to the games, but there may be some other small group activities that would work.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have done this on a smaller level, the downfall is that I have 3 students and either one will get bored or one has not prepared properly. It is exhausting sitting trying to make what we have learned that is already not the most interesting interesting.
I love using games as well. I find that almost everyone has a competetive side to them and using games in learning helps bring out the competitor in some students that may otherwise seem uninterested in some classroom material.
I have used a powerpoint version of Jeopardy to use in my classroom for midterm and final study game preparation. I make the students leave their books and notes at the front of the room, and ask the exact same questions on the game that will be on the next days exam, only organized in a different format then the exam. I have found that this is the most effective form of review for an exam, as the students are engaged, study hard the night before, and overall more prepared and get better grades then my students did before I implemented this game.
Sherry,
this is one of my favorites as well as it involves thinking about the material in a fun environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We have made use of the game "Jeopardy" in our class> It helps get everyone involved and it is a good "Where I need to study" tool.
Heidi,
I wouldn't say that games are more for fun as they can serve a valuable part in the overall learning process, but we need to make sure they are crafted carefully so they do have educational value.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My students love playing games. In this learning module, I was surprised to learn that games were more for fun than for learing. I wonder if games are still an overall useful strategy to use since students enjoy the games, it is part of keeping them engaged in class.
