Teach English in HechuAn Qu - Chongqing

Games in the Classroom As a recent college graduate, I have spent my fair share of time in the classroom. One of the easiest ways to engage me into the lesson is through the excitement of a competition. Group work is beneficial for language learners because it ensures communication practice. Splitting the class into teams on the first day is a good way to help students feel comfortable in their environment. Games have a number of positive effects of students in the classroom. The right usage can boost morale, interaction and competitive spirit. Games have a slightly different connotation to a teacher than they would to a student. As a student, I enjoyed playing games in class because it?s better than working on worksheets or vocabulary. A student sees the game as an escape from regular work and an opportunity to relax. Games can help create a relaxed environment so students will feel more likely to participate without hesitation. A teacher views games in the classroom a little differently. Teachers use games to gauge their student?s progression, transition from one activity to another or to break the ice at the beginning of class. Whether intentional or not, games focus attention on student?s thinking on their feet. In reality, this need to think on the fly could be deemed intimidating, yet as a former student myself, I would declare that I am more likely to volunteer/participate when I know I am competing in a game. There are a plethora of games which are suitable to use in the classroom. Each game should be designed to exercise a specific aspect of language. Games should also be simple enough so students can understand the object. A good game will pin teams against each other and breed team spirit. Team play helps students feel like part of something. Asking students to participate in game with fellow students does a few things for the student. Teammates are more likely to communicate during the game than during a regular lecture lesson. This interaction is extremely important to creating a successful game. As students interact during the game, they are practicing new language skills. Practicing these language skills is one of the most important things a game brings to the table. Some games ask two or three students to work together and others divide a large class into two large groups. Both group dynamics are designed to promote class participation. Games have a variety of effects on the working classroom. Games create winners and losers which is not the most important detail. More importantly, games create leaders. Being a leader depends on a few skills; initiative, public speaking ability, confidence. Games also build relationships in the classroom. students that regularly work in pairs are likely to form a bond outside of their schoolwork, even if that bond is as simple as chatting back and forth during down time. Games are also helpful in studying for tests/quizzes. One of the best ways to measure whether a class is ready to take a test is through the outlet of a game in the classroom. The place for games in the classroom is at the discretion of the instructor. I believe using competition in the classroom can inspire students to wish to participate. The ultimate goal is to help a number of pupils to learn how to speak and create better English. I believe using games in the classroom is a tool that intelligent teachers can use to gauge their students, create a comfortable atmosphere, create leaders, build relationships and lively up the classroom.