Crosswords and word searches have been great ways for students to learn without feeling like they're just memorizing the terms.
Denisse, It is a great idea to provide those opportunities for students who need them.
Michele Deck
This allows us to have tools that we can give to learners who have a need for more repetition than others, or we can use them as tools to fill knowledge or time voids.
Wanda, you are doing a great job using your resources and orchestrating the dynamics in your class for all to learn. Keep up the good work!
Michele Deck
In addition to crossword and search puzzles, I had a jeopardy game created for us. The students love it and want to play all the time. It is great.
I have used both crossword puzzles and word search in my classroom. I use this activity to fill times spaces for students who have completed assignments ahead of others. They love this. I am noticing more and more students completing assignments just to be able to work with others on the puzzles. My textbook has wonderful puzzles and this helps. I have also have had a student use software and designed her own puzzles to assist her in learning. These are great tools to help with my class.
I use crosswords,word searches and index cards currently. The index cards i utilize as a Jeopardy game. The point value is on the front of the card, the question is on the back and the cards are placed in particular categories. Example under the category Terms: 100 pt question: What is any disease of the heart muscle? the student answers Cardiomyopathy. etc. the studentls love it!!
Mark, thank you for being a great teacher who uses a variety of activities. That is the key!
Michele Deck
The learning activities mentioned in this section are great tools. I have been teaching for over 15 years and Have used many of these.
Students stay motivated and and get a better level of understanding.
Students Retain information longer. Learning activities are "FUN" they give the students an opportunity to test their knowledge without a lot of pressure. Use activites it will help you become a better teacher.
Angela , a four hour class needs activities as you have described.
Michele Deck
I have found that with my classes being 4 hours long, any and all the games that we play is helpful, and less students are looking at the clock. I haven't done many of the crosswords, but we usually love hangman and matching.
Juanita, any repetition in and out of class will reinforce learning,
Michele Deck
I like to use these a review before an exam. It helps them refresh their memory!
Caryn, it depends on what the individual needs, spelling or definitions.
Michele Deck
Crossword puzzles seem to have more educational value that word search. To me, word search seems more like busy-work, with the exception of perhaps learning how to spell.
Mabel, it is sometimes s good idea to give the rationale for this repitition
Michele Deck
I have been using crossword puzzles, search-a-word puzzles, and playing games like Hangman with some of my classess. I also assign word-puzzles for homework. I try to have two options in puzzles, since we do not all like the same kind of puzzles. The problem I have is the adult student who does not want "filler" work; if they are finished with their assignment in my class they want to work on other homework. Does anyone else have this problem?
ELIZABETH, I'm glad that this teaching activity you have been using has been validated by the other participants in this course.
Michele Deck
I am thinking of starting all my classes with a crossword puzzle. I have been doing it on and off, but after reading the posts on this topic, I realize that it is a way of keeping my students engaged even when the lecture of the day is not so interesting.
Jason , thank you for adding the open book approach.
Michele Deck
