20oct

10 Games to Create for your Learners

posted by mike

game  (gâm) n. – an activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime

But can a game be educational? Can a game help a learner learn?

Of course! Playing a game based on the facts or the concepts of a subject can completely solidify learning. Games help learners retain information.

In the game Measuring Fats for Explosives from the WWII Home Front Box of IDEAs, students work with measurements as well as some interesting WWII propaganda. Both are bound to start some interesting conversations.

Playing a game almost always involves language and often utilizes practical math skills.  Perhaps a more important characteristic of games is that they start conversations – knowledge building, fact cementing conversations. read more

19oct

Examining Artwork within a Topic

posted by dani

Why did they paint that? What’s that a picture of? Is that art?

Nearly everything in the world (even the lowly clothespin!) is depicted artistically somewhere and at some time. Viewing, examining and discussing artwork that is related to your topic of study can help students make critical connections, retain what they learn and help them break down difficult subjects or topics.

Examining the artwork closely to match the clothpins to the correct piece increases the observation level and leads to fascinating discoveries about the artwork and increased appreciation of the artwork in this Hanging Laundry activity in the Laundry Box of IDEAs.

Many students will use the visual aspect of the artwork to hang onto other topic related information in their minds. Artwork can provide a firm base for discussion and conversation about your topic and can truly enhance your student’s ability to grasp some topic related concepts. read more