Whenever you do an activity, you always want a positive feedback, but the purpose of the activity is to see where the students are. Doing different activities, you may see that some of your students are struggling and in doing so, you can assist them where they are lacking at.
Focusing on the learners is the key, Suzanne.
how much the students get and understand the information and how much they enjoyed the class
When doing activities, I can "judge" whether or not the students are comprehending the lesson by watching them and listening to them. I can then provide the necessary feedback they may need and/or suggest a different way of approaching the matter.
Learner focused reviews such as these are good strategies for teaching.
I have not done any of these particular activities in my classes. I have had groups of three or four students take sections of the chapter that we are discussing and had them write three questions with answers each on the material covered. Afterward we went through all of the questions as a review.
I find that my students love crossword puzzles and word scrambles. I use these as a class or homework assignment for reinforcement of what we cover that day. They enjoy them and find them helpful.
I enjoy playing Bingo as well. It is fun at the same time the students are learning. I enjoy making learning fun!
So true! When homework is done correctly the students will take it in. Thats why I often give a pop quiz from the homework assignment. It tells me as an instructor a great deal about the students.
I find crossword puzzles to be very helpful with Medical terminology. This helps the students with learning how to spell the words and know more about the meanings.
I find that crossword puzzles with our students don't tend to be used well. There is a lot of sharing going on and only one person really benefits. The next time I do them it will be an in class assignment.
Yes it does accomplish these two goals, Rachelle.
I would like to do the exercise with the terms on the students backside- not only do I think it will increase thier knowlegde but it will help with socialization.
This idea is two reviews in one, and I like it. Thank you, Russell for sharing your strategy.
I have my students each create a crossword puzzle from the terms that we have learned throughout the course. Then they have to get in groups, and trade, and figure each others out. Not only is this a fun activity for them, but they learn while making them and while solving them. Usually we all have fun during the entire process.
Flash cards is a very good activity.Some students like cross-word puzzle.
Saroj Patel
They can be low anxiety quizzes and fun reinforcement of content.
I have crossword puzzles that came with software on the instructor disc for my A & P class. I used to use them for extra credit, but now corporate says there cannot be any extra credit. I hadn't thought of using them as quizzes. This could be a wonderful thing !
You are welcome. I have done this many times and found it successful, too.
I love the idea of using crosswords or word searches to keep students busy when/if they finish a test early. There's always a handful that finish SO fast and another handful that take the maximum time allowed. These activities will help me maintain control of the classroom during those times. Thanks!
