I find that the students enjoy the games since it helps reinforce concepts in a fun way. They tend to remember more when they have fun.
I believe that the instructor should provide guidance to the students about what reading material is considered must/should know, as opposed to telling the student that you're responsible for everything, even the smallest of details. Why cause the students such anxiety that would prevent them from learning the important materials?
Larry
I agree that variety in teaching methods are essential to maintain focused student learning and retention of material that is more about rote memorization of data. Such courses would necessitate more active learning techniques, such team-based learning activities.
Joy! I ask for their feedback and they reply that they really liked play the games and that it helped them to retain the information.
Cindy, you can't please all the people all the time. If you make it clear as you say here that the order of the questions are random, then everyone has to study everything, not just know the easy ones. Keep up the good work!
These game ideas are great! I am always looking to change ideas. I have made up a couple of my own, but want to try some of these. Thanks! Great games!!
Yes, I agree. I don't force learners to participate, but is do invite them and make it worth their effort when they do with incentives and positive reinforcement.
They can get heated at times. One group thinks my questions are too easy for the other group or vise versa. I just remind them that the questions are made ahead of time and I just take one off the top of the stack each time. Then when they get an easy one someone on their team is the first to mention it.
I will get some that don't want to play. Most are receptive to it. Students get participating in the class. If they choose not to play they sit in the back, read from their book, or I give them an assignment. They will not receive participation points like the rest of the class. They then choose to play.
Jennifer, any way that we can model and facilitate working well with diverse groups of people will benefits our students when they get out into the job world. Keep up the good work!
It is normal to be apprehensive with new experiences, but that should not stop one from trying
Apprehensive at first but then they get a kick out of it.Proof positive that we can learn in a variety of ways.
I found that all my students love games. It gets them more involved and helps with teamwork. I believe it also creates a peer bond.
Diane, engaging the students is the key to successful learning. You can't please all of the people all of the time. We can just do our best.
Most of my students liked playing the games but there are always some who feel it is a waste of time. Usually it is the younger students who enjoy the games the most. I feel it is a fun way to learn. I would say the majority like it so I will continue to use this and other fun ways to engage my students.
Diane
Disruptive students are a challenge. Whether you are lecturing or using activities, this happens. I'm glad you had school support to remove them and continue with the others who wanted to be there.
I have used a variety of games to teach medical terminology and some of the students really liked it. However, the disruptive students created an environment in which games could not be used. Ultimately, the disruptive students were asked to leave the class as they were creating an enviornment in which others could not learn. The students who were not disruptive seemed to understand the information and retain it more after playing the game.
Changing the groups and reward systems can keep the competition from getting too heated. Enjoy!
Friendly competition is a motivator, and can be used as a vehicle for learning,Jillian.
It allows them to get out of their seats and actually get their blood flowing. Plus, competition between them & their classmates perks things up after a lecture.
