Get Your Students Hired
I have always stayed away from charades because it seems like so many of the students are not willing to participate. I feel like it would be the same with draw a term. I believe the statistic given in the module was 1 in 4 or 5 have artistic ability. That is not a very large number of students and how fair is it to make those few stand in front of the room and perform like that. Not to mention the fact that of those few how many actually feel comfortable being put on the spot. I love all of the games suggested, but I still feel like these two would just cause more stress to my students than necessary. I guess it would depend on the class. For example, I tried the football game just the other day (I do not teach medical terminology I teach microbiology but it still worked) and my day class thoroughly enjoyed it and said it was the best review they have ever had. However, my night class could hardly answer any of the questions and the game became counterproductive very quickly. So I guess it all depends on the class dynamics.
I actually used the identity game the other day and one of my students recommended charades. I have a small group that seems to know each other well so I am going to try it for review tomorrow
I know that most students do not like getting up and doing stuff in front of people, but they have to get over this fear. Public speaking comes with any profession and this makes the class be able to laugh with each other and learn at the same time.
I also agree. Many students are not willing to act in front of their classmates, so the usefullness of this activity can be limited.
I have tried a group drawing activity in my classes. I have students in small groups trace the outline of a body. (we have done this on paper in class or with sidewalk chalk in the parking lot (weather permitting). Then I ask questions using directional med terms. Students have to follow the instructions I give them and draw what I tell them to in the correct place on their body. Afterward we usually name our "bodies" and display them in class (or in the parking lot) for everyone to see.
Ex: Draw a star tattoo on the left proximal thigh.
I agree here. Personally i like the other activities presented in this course. i feel that the charedes game would not work well for me.
Carey, I agree that offering your adult learners a choice of what role they would like to play in an activity is the right course of action.
When ever I place students in groups I have them choose 1 person as the actor or drawer for the group if they are unsure or state that they have no artistic ability. This has worked out well and the student seem to enjoy the review/game more when they are relaxed and not put on the spot.
Misty, you are correct in knowing and assessing which classes will like and dislike certain activities. If you follow your gut on that it will not be wrong. Also, this stresses how we need to personalize each class to the needs of the learners, and not just follow a script.