Teach English in ShAndongzhuAng Zhen - Beijing

Games in the classroom Wikipedia(1) defines ?game? as a structured activity undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool. In this paper I am going to look at the use of games in the classroom as an educational tool. I will look at why we might want to use games and some of the advantages, how to use games and when to use them and finally a few tips to consider when playing games. Why use games? There are many advantages to using games in the classroom and a lot of research has also been done in this area. It is important here just to mention those who learn. students can come from all different backgrounds from young and old and each will also have different motivation for learning. Whatever the reason they are in the classroom it is our job as a teacher I believe to cultivate a climate where maximum learning can take place. It is important that the teacher gathers as much information about the learner so that effective planning can then take place and appropriate games then can be selected. (Wright, Betteridge and Buckly 1984)(2) believe language learning can be hard work, it takes effort and that games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interests and work. (Ersoz)(3) also agrees with this that learning a language requires constant effort and can be tiring, so games offer a distraction he outlines two reasons why games should be played in the classroom; firstly that game?s are amusing and challenging are highly motivating and secondly games allow meaningful use of language content. The Hindu online newspaper in an article looking at ?achieving communicative competence in English? believes that games are good because they involve active participation and that games can help students in productive skills (speaking and writing) and in receptive skills (listening and reading). As well as enthusiasm (Jane Rauschenberg)(6) believes games are good for recruitment, retention, keeping student?s enthusiasm high. Learning another language difficult but a game everyone likes to play. So a teacher can use a game to teach a daunting topic like grammar. A good grammar game can help children not only gain knowledge but be able to apply and use that learning. (Saricoban and Metin 2000)(7) authors of ?Songs, verse and games for teaching grammar?. In summary (Robert J. Marzano)(9) who has been involved in research on using games in the classroom, has found that studies showed that using games to teach has led to a 20 percentile gain in student achievement. When and how to use games. Choosing the right game is crucial. (Ayden Ersoz)(3) say?s that well chosen games are invaluable as they can give students a break and at the same time allow students to practice language skills. Games are highly motivating since they are amusing and at the same time challenging. (Rauschenberg 2005) (6) believes there are many different stages when to use games, during the engage, or review or just to help students relax when you have finished a major assessment. Make sure there is a reason for playing. Make sure there is an objective a purpose for playing. It is important to consider what do you want students to achieve by playing. Teaching time is precious so it is important that you use all your time in classroom wisely. So selecting an appropriate game is important. (Hon Lin)(8) suggests thinking about the following questions when selecting a game 1. Which skills do the games practice? 2. What type of game is it and what is its purpose? 3. Does the game require maximum involvement by the students? 4. Do the students like it? Tips for using Games in the classroom. I personally think and from my own experience think that the use of games in the classroom are an amazing educational tool if used correctly. I would like to recommend some tips to consider before playing games. These points will help you maximize learning through the use of games in your classroom. (These are not in any order) There are so many tips but these are just a few. 1. Think about the objective of the game. What is your reason for playing? What will your students benefit from playing. 2. Is the game fun? Is it relevant to the age group you are teaching. 3. Make sure game involves all students. Maybe think about dividing your group into smaller groups so that all can be involved. 4. Think about time. (Do you have enough time to play the game, explain the game and then follow up. In (Marzono?s)(9) research they found the most successful games were ones with follow up after) 5. What equipment do you need? What resources do you need to use? 6. Give simple clear instructions. If the game is a competition do not start until all are ready and understand what they have to do. 7. Do you have space in your classroom. Does the game involve moving round or working at tables. If you need students to move around or carry equipment think about Health and safety. 7. Be creative and think about different ways you can adapt a game to your target group. 8. Monitor the game. If you need to stop the game or give more instructions or adapt the game then do not be afraid of jumping in if needed. You want the students to get the most of the game. 9. Think about reward. What is the incentive for playing the game? References 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/game 2. ?Games for learning language? by Andrew Wright, David Betteridge and Micheal Buckly Cambridge University Pres 1984 3. ?Six games for EFl/ESL classroom? by Aydan Ersoz The Internet tesol journal, Vol. VI, No.6, June 2000. 4. Creative Games for the language class? Lee Su Kim ?Forum Vol.33 No1, January-March 1995, Page 35. 5. The Hindu, Achieving communicative competence in English, Tuesday, Jul 29, 2003. http:// www.hindu.com/thehindu/edu/2003/07/29/stories/2003072900010200.htm 6. Classroom games: effective tools for new teachers, presented Friday, march 11, 2005. Jane Rauschenberg. http://ms.loganhocking.k12.us/-madame/teachers/presentationsgameshandout05.pdf.html 7. Saricoban, Arif and Metin, E. 2000 ? Songs, verse and games for teaching Grammar?. The Internet TESL journal 6 http://iteslj.org/techniques/saricoban-songs.html 8. Hong, lin. Using games in teaching English to young learners. Http://www.teachingenglishgames.com/Articles/Teaching_Grammar_with_games_in_the_ESL_classroom.htm 9. Robert J. Marzano, ?Using Games to Enhance student Achievement, Association for supervision and curriculum Development, February 2010.