Langevin Blog

I’m a huge fan of the Game Show Network, and I’ve discovered that using a game show format to review course content is very well received by participants. Some light-hearted competition is just the thing to help keep participants engaged. How can we modify game show formats to fit well in a classroom environment? This will be the first of many blogs about using game shows. Each will explain how to create a game, set up the classroom for the game, and play the game.

A. Create the Game

1. Identify 3 to 5 categories of content to cover during the game.
2. Create 4 or 5 questions and answers within each category. Be sure to use the same number of questions in each category to ensure consistency.
3. Assign a point value to each question. Use single digit point values for ease of scoring.
4. Create a diagram of the game board with categories across the top and point values going down each column.
5. Create index cards containing the following on each card (you may want to laminate these cards for durability): Category, Question, Answer, Point Value.
6. Document the categories, questions, and answers in your lesson plan.

B.  Prepare to Play

1. Turn the flipchart away from the participants.
2. Write the category names across the top of a flipchart page while the participants study to prep for the game.
3. Place Post-It^® notes in each category column, using one Post-It^® note for each point value.
4. Write the point value on each Post-It^® note starting with 1 and increasing the numbers as you go down the column.
5. Place the index cards face down on a table so the cards correspond to their position on the game board. This will make it easier for you to pull the right card when needed.

C. Play the Game

1. Split the participants into 3 teams.
2. Allow the teams 10 minutes to review content.
3. Follow the 5 steps listed under the “Prepare to Play” section while the participant review the content.
4. Turn the flipchart so it is visible to the participants when the 10 minutes of review time is over.
5. Ask Team 1 to select a category and point value.
6. Remove the Post-It^® note from the flipchart and stick it to the back of the corresponding index card.
7. Read the question.
8. Allow Team 1 30 seconds to answer the question. If they answer correctly go to Step 11. If they answer incorrectly go to Step 9.
9. Allow Team 2 10 seconds to answer the question. If they answer correctly go to Step 11. If they answer incorrectly go to Step 10.
10. Allow Team 3 10 seconds to answer the question. If they answer correctly go to Step 11. If they answer incorrectly place the points in a point pool to be awarded any way you wish later in the game.
11. Repeat Steps 5-10 two more times so each team has a chance to select a category and point value.
12. At the end of each round (steps 5-10) select the team with the lowest number of points to start the next round. In the event of a tie, use the order from a previous round.
13. Proceed to Final Jeopardy when all the categories have been used.

D. Play Final Jeopardy

1. Give each team a blank Post-It^® note.
2. Ask each team to determine the number of points they want to wager.
3. Ask each team to write their team number and wager on the Post-It^® note.
4. Collect the completed Post-It^® note from each team.
5. Give each team another blank Post-It^® note.
6. Read your Final Jeopardy question.
7. Allow the teams 1 minute to write their answers on the Post-It^® note. Encourage them to discuss their answers quietly, so the other teams can’t hear them.
8. Collect the “Answer” Post-It^® notes.
9. Calculate the results: If the answer is correct add the accumulated points to the points wagered. The team with the highest number of points will be the winner.
10. Reveal the results beginning with the team with the lowest number of points.

If you enjoy this review format, look for future “Game Shows In Training” blogs. If you’d like to know how to use a specific game show in the classroom, add your request as a comment to this blog.  For more information about how to create and administer games in training, take a look at this great resource kit.

Keeping your participants engaged, and encouraging them to have a little fun along the way makes joining a review and a game show a winning combination.

Jim

Tags: Games in Training, learners, techniques

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Comments RSS