Games are fun, and fun is a big part of learning. Students get caught up in playing the game, so learning and key information are put across by stealth.
Games can be used at the start of the lesson to introduce key ideas or vocabulary prior to a discussion, at the end to summarise learning or as a whole lesson format. They allow students to start talk about a topic and use terms in context.
Games can focus on specific topics, raising questions and encouraging groups to solve problems through discussion. Competition and prizes are also good for group motivation.
Word association game such as Taboo or Articulate, or Bingo using words instead of numbers are excellent for helping students learn and understand key vocabulary that will be used in the discussion, while games such as Just a Minute and Speed Dating can be used in the lesson plenary to summarise key learning outcomes of the discussion.
Games that work well include:
- Top Trumps
- Just a Minute
- Taboo
- Bingo
Download PDF (327 Kb) presenting an overview of discussion techniques, including games.